2nd Annual ‘The Gift of the Nativity’ – A New 3-Day Christmas Tradition Returns 12/13

The Gift of the Nativity, a three-day non-denominational and non-proselytizing event, hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and opened to the public, will be held at 4850 W Goeller Blvd, Columbus, IN.

The free event will run on the following days and times:
Friday, December 13 from 5 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, December 14 from 3 – 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 15 from 3 – 8 p.m.

Over 1000 visitors participated in the inaugural event last year that features over 200 nativity sets from around the world. This year will have more.

The display of the nativity scene, or crèche, is of European origin. Initially, people were dressed as Mary and Joseph with real animals. In fact, Christmas Eve of 2023 marked the 800^th anniversary of the first live nativity scene created by Saint Francis in Italy. Eventually, artists began carving figurines to represent the setting of the Savior’s birth. Putting up nativity displays in one’s home is a cherished holiday tradition worldwide. “The Gift of the Nativity” provides a way for families to share and admire these beloved keepsakes with others.

Cheryl and Craig Darsow were asked to spearhead the event here in Columbus. The Darsows drew inspiration from similar nativity displays they participated in when they lived in Minnesota. Nativity festivals have been a tradition across the country and amongst different denominations for decades.

With the help of volunteers who devoted more than 200 hours of their time to make their vision come to life, the church meetinghouse was transformed into a beautiful venue to display more than 200 crèches. These displays were made possible by local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who generously loaned their nativity sets. Debbie Baldridge of the Franklin Ward loaned a large sum of these nativity displays. A collection Baldridge began as a young newlywed, she now owns between 50 and 60 crèches. Many of which are from foreign countries such as Israel, Prague, Thailand, Peru, Bolivia, and Hungary. Other large collections came from Rachel Clark and Katherine Fuller.

Guests of all ages participated in a search where they were asked “Can you find this nativity scene?” that showcased the diversity and reverence of each crèche. Other family-friendly activities included watching a short film entitled “The Christ Child” as well as an interactive cave where visitors were able to go inside and meet Mary and baby Jesus while hearing the story of his birth.

In the chapel, guests enjoyed short concerts performed by talented local musicians. Some of which included the Columbus North High School Choir, a bagpiper, and solo vocalists. Sarah Aulick-Smith recalls returning each day just so she could attend the concert-series. She plans to do so again: “I’m excited to see the return of some incredible musicians from last year and hear from some new groups as well.” Some of those soloists and groups scheduled to take the stage for this year’s event include a cellist, Dickens Caroling Quartet, and a choir from Asbury United Methodist Church Worship Team.

In addition to the activities from last year, “The Gift of the Nativity” for 2024 will offer an area for guests to gather and mingle with friends and neighbors while enjoying light refreshments.

There will also be child-friendly nativity sets that young children can play with.

All are invited to experience this unique and uplifting Christ-centered event. Doors are open to the public at 4850 W Goeller Blvd, Columbus, IN from 5-8 p.m. on December 13 and 3 - 8 p.m. on December 14 and 15.

If you have crèches that you wish to loan or donate for future “The Gift of the Nativity” events, please contact the 2025 coordinators Janet or Denton Haight at (812)-314-1195 or (812)-314-1889.