This Nativity scene has graced the lawn of Buckham Memorial Library and the Faribault Community Center for all the years I have lived in my southeastern Minnesota community, which would be 30.
FROM MY FAMILY to yours, I wish you a most blessed CHRISTmas. And, yes, I capitalize that first syllable because the Saviour centers my Christmas celebration and I hope it does yours also.
This Nativity set, donated, I believe, by the local Knights of Columbus, is a rich part of my community’s history and a work of art. If anyone knows the history of this Nativity, please submit a comment with details.
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
One side of the scene shows the shepherds in the stable.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ The Lord.”
Although the wise men did not arrive at the birth of Christ, but much later, they are typically depicted in nativity scenes. I added the “star” with an editing tool to enhance the image.
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.
Can you imagine the reverent joy the wise men felt in worshiping their Saviour?
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. (Click here to learn more about the wise men and when they visited the Christ Child.)
© Photos copyright 2012 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Text credit goes to gospel writers Matthew and Luke.
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Audrey—Merry CHRISTmas to you and yours!!! I actually took a picture of the nativity scene there when we came up for your poetry reading and we were commenting that it is rare to see that especially at a public building. It was refreshing and wonderful to see it!!! Lovely pictures!
I love that Nativity.
Unfortunately, there have been issues about the placement of this Nativity on public land. I won’t go into details here, but the City Council stood firm and refused to back down to pressure and protest from one source.
Hooray, hallelujah and amen! Truth and Light prevails! Lovely post!
Thank you. I totally agree.
What a blessing to have that in your community. Love the placement of the star … Merry Christmas!
Yes, and I hope this remains a part of my community’s Christmas decor for generations to come.
I love the star! xx
Good. My computer geek son told me it looked so fake. I told him, “I don’t care. I like it there.”
Lovely, my friend.
Thank you.
Audrey, Do you know anything about Corinne V. Bachrach as an artist? I’m married to Fr. Cecil Houle’s, pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for many years, his nephew. We inherited a painting signed by Corinne of the sacred heart of Jesus. Did she do any other artwork and where would it be? Up to now, all we know is that she was a local artist. Do you gave any information on her art? Thank you. Lori
Kaess
Lori, I’m sorry, but I can’t help you. I recognize the name of Corrine V. Bachrach, though. Readers, if any of you out there have any info for Corrine, please submit a comment.
Thanks for your input. I hope someone has some info on her. I know she lived in Faribault.
I can check for you at the Paradise Center for the Arts.
Thank you
My turn to ask questions, Lori. Where do you live and how did you come to inherit this piece of art. And in what medium is the artwork?
We live in the Twin Cities. This is a large oil on canvas. Its 40″x25″. For many years it hung in the rectory at Sacred Heart in Faribault. When Fr. Cecil Houle died he left it to a nephew and that nephew gave it to my husband who was also a nephew of Fr. The painting is signed “Corinne” with no last name. I found her obit online with her picture and my husband confirmed that was her as he had seen her when visiting his uncle at the rectory.
Thanks for the additional info, Lori. We’ll see what info we can sleuth up here.