An Invitation to a Traditional Christmas

In St. James Church is featured a large Nativity Scene, that measures 36 square feet. The diorama is set up in a horseshoe shape to symbolize the welcoming, all inclusive arms of Christ. You are welcome to come.  The diorama itself contains 80 pieces and has been set up each Christmas for the last five years by parishioner Peter Mancini. A special piece to look for when you visit the church is a black baby Jesus, made from porcelain which was purchased in Assisi, Italy. At the top of the multi layered diorama is a ruined Roman temple with the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph sheltered in front. As St. Thomas Aquinas said;”Over ancient forms of worship a new rite of grace prevails”. ( from the prayer “Tantum Ergo”) Jesus’ birth replaces the old order.

In 2023 it will be 800 years since the original Nativity scene. It was set up by St. Francis in Greccio, a small hamlet and used real people and animals. This was the time of the Crusades, the late 1200s, and St. Francis was negotiating with the Sultan to end the bloodshed. The Sultan agreed to let the Franciscans have custody of the Christian sites in the Holy Land.

We welcome you to a traditional Christmas. Visit our historic church, see our beautiful stained glass windows, hear our church bell ring out. While you view the Nativity Scene, keep out a sharp eye for a sleeping boy and 10 cats!

Christmas Services: Sunday December 18, 6:00pm Nine Lessons and Carols, Saturday December 24, Christmas Eve, 7:00 pm,  first Mass of Christmas, Sunday December 25, 11:00 am. Christmas Day, Nativity of Our Lord.

Visit any Sunday at 11am. The Nativity will be displayed until Candlemas, at the end of January.