Page 10 - Robeson Living Winter2019

The Wonder of the Nativity

Friday, December 13, 2019: 11 am – 8:00 pm

Saturday, December 14, 2019: 11 am – 2:00 pm

Chestnut Street United Methodist Church at 200 East 8th brothers use olive wood that is native to the Bethlehem
Street, Lumberton, NC is pleased to present its sixth annual area. The wood must dry for many years before it is carved.
Nativity exhibit on December 13 & 14. This display of 25 The family business has grown over the years into a large
to 30 unique Nativity sets is open to the public and free of endeavor that makes many souvenirs for tourists.
charge. In prior Nativity displays at Chestnut Street UMC, there
have been Nativities made of marble, ebony, stained glass,
The Nativities will be on display in the church sanctuary. Paper Mache, seashells, dish detergent bottles, feathers,
Individuals from Lumberton and surrounding communities nails, punched tin, ceramics and blown eggshells. Some
share their collections for this event. Nativities are unique sets have been small enough to hold in the palm of your
and come with fascinating stories. Some are passed down hand and one had over 150 pieces.
through families, purchased on trips abroad, purchased one
piece at a time over many years or handmade by the owner. During the Friday evening candlelight display, seasonal
Each Nativity reflects its own beauty and meaning. music will be offered by Belle Vente Woodwinds and the
Chestnut Street Handbells.
This year’s featured Nativity was crafted by the Nissan
Brothers in Bethlehem and is a large carved Nativity of ol- From the humblest to the most elaborate, each Nativity
ive wood. Approximately 3 feet across it lovingly depicts separately, and all collected together, remind us of the true
the Holy Family in the stable. The history of the Nissan glory of Christmas. You are invited to come and spend
family dates back to the early 20th century when the family some time in a beautiful setting, reflecting on this special
emigrated from Turkey. Skilled at woodworking, they have season.
passed down their skills from generation to generation. The

Page 10 Robeson Living ~ Winter 2019