The outdoor, lighted nativity scene at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church is first displayed on Christmas Eve. The lighted figures are similar to those seen in many yards in Merrill and other communities, whose occupants want to draw attention to the first Christmas scene along with Christmas characters like Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and others. Lisa Hass photo.
BY TINA L. SCOTT EDITOR
The nativity scene, also called a manger scene, crib, or creche, is a depiction of the birth of Jesus, particularly displayed at Christmas time in Christian denomination churches, as well as in homes and yards of those who wish to celebrate the Christian aspects of the holiday. Typically, the arrangement includes some rendition of a stable, along with Joseph, Mary, the infant Jesus, a donkey and a cow or ox, one or more angels, and one or more shepherds and sheep. Where possible, it generally includes a bright star shining over the stable. And some include three Magi and camels in their displays right away at Christmas, while others add them to the scene in the days to come. St. Francis of Assisi, who died in 1226 after founding the Franciscan religious order, is credited with creating the first nativity scene. These days, nativity scenes are widely available in many sizes, made from many different materials, and the depictions displayed in any given area may reflect the cultural heritage of the location, as seen in some of the photos of a nativity scene collection donated to and on display at St. Stephens UCC here in Merrill.
A live nativity scene at Rib Falls Methodist Church in Marathon captured by a local reader. Cindy Artus photo.The outdoor, lighted nativity scene at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church is first displayed on Christmas Eve. The lighted figures are similar to those seen in many yards in Merrill and other communities, whose occupants want to draw attention to the first Christmas scene along with Christmas characters like Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and others. Lisa Hass photo.This nativity scene is believed to be from Mexico and is another of the scenes donated to, and on display at, St. Stephens UCC in Merrill. Corey Dornbrack photo.This large nativity scene takes center stage on the altar at St. Stephens United Church of Christ in Merrill. Adorned with white lights and flocked by poinsettia plants, it is a part of the church’s annual Chistmas tradition. Corey Dornbrack photo.This nativity scene is part of a large Christmas display in the home of Margaret Sense of rural Merrill. Margaret has a room dedicated to a Christmas village display and a room filled with a Santa collection, as well. They go all-out decorating for Christmas, both indoors and out, but this nativity, with the addition of two stuffed camels to bring the number of camels up to three, one for each king, is a focal point by itself. Michael Sense photo.If the baby in this photo of the large nativity scene at Christ United Methodist Church in Merrill looks almost real, it’s because he is! Representing the Christ child in this momentary vision is Boone David Chartier, son of Emma Chartier and the first grandchild of Colleen and David Chartier of Merrill. Baby Boone was born Dec. 1, 2023, and this photo was taken on Dec. 17, 2023, when he was just 16 days old. His new grandparents just couldn’t resist the opportunity to create and capture this photo. David and Colleen Chartier photo.The Willow Tree nativity scene in the home of Lorri and Leroy Vandre of Merrill was a gift from their son several years ago and claims a prominent place in their home each Christmas season. Lorri Vandre photo.This nativity scene, one of 25 on display in the Kuck Lounge at St. Stephens UCC, was donated to the church by a neighbor who moved out of the area. The collection included many different styles of nativity scenes, made from many different media. This nativity scene is believed to be from Africa. Corey Dornbrack photo.This large nativity scene displayed on the steps leading to the altar is a traditional part of the final days leading up to Christmas at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. The baby Jesus is absent from the manger until Christmas Eve. An angel and dove in the background are a part of the scene, along with hay bales and about a dozen sheep, shepherds, a cow, and a donkey, that surround and pay homage to Mary, Joseph, and the newborn baby King. Three kings will make their way to the scene in later days in keeping with the telling of the Christmas story. Lisa Hass photo.The nativity scene on display inside Trinity Merrill Lutheran Church. Hannah Tomajcik photo.
