St. Philip's displays Fontanini Nativity
Dec. 11—With the arrival of the second Sunday of Advent, St. Philip Episcopal Church has put its Fontanini Nativity on display. Fontanini, founded in 1908, is one of the most well-known companies that produces nativity sets and figurines. Each piece of these hand decorated sets made in Italy have a special mark on the base.
"Fontanini nativities of all sizes are prized for the lifelike sculpting, the meticulous hand painting and the attention to detail," said Kathy Stites, a member of St. Philip's Episcopal Church.
St. Philip's Fontanini Nativity was gifted to the church in 1997 by two families who wished to glorify God in honor of their mothers, Stites said.
As a rule, Stites said the manger is placed in the nave of the church on the second Sunday of Advent. The three wise men and the camel are not added to the scenery until Jan. 6, however, some churches place them out for the Christmas Eve Church service. These pieces will be placed at various locations throughout the sanctuary during the weeks leading up to Christmas to represent the Magi's travel to find the "newborn king."
The celebration of Advent, observed by Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox and other Christian churches, takes place on the four Sundays prior to Christmas ending on Christmas Eve. Each Sunday has a theme; hope, peace, joy and love.
Stites invites you to attend an Advent service this season and see the St. Philip's Fontanini Nativity for yourself.
St. Philip's also hosts Christmas Lessons and Carols Holy Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 24 which is open for the public to attend. This service will include Advent and Christmas readings with carols.
