Barnsley Methodist Churches – Christmas Nativity Festival Sat 29 Nov 2025

Barnsley Methodist Churches – Christmas Nativity Festival Sat 29 Nov 2025
– an exhibition of models of Christ Jesus Nativity from different countries
& some made locally, gathered at Emmanuel Methodist Church.

Many households have a loved model cameo scene remembering
God’s coming among us in the human form of baby Jesus, the Christ. Some
Barnsley Christian faith communities united to create a gathering together of
these model nativities. Some were made specially for this gathering by a school
and family “Messy church” communities.

60 model nativities were gathered, every one unique, as
individual as God makes us. Through out the day over 100 people came to see.
They were welcomed by a shepherd at the door who invited then to “be quiet and
gentle for love is here”. There was a written guide that people could follow
with a place to write thoughts and feelings. Slowly and quietly people came
before each nativity scene, wondering and pondering the width, depth, height
and length of love that is God in the world.

When people were full of God’s love they carefully left the
gathering of nativities and went to share their experience in a café area, were
there was colouring, Lego and even dressing up opportunities to respond to
their encounter with God.

For many people it was a mini retreat, slowing down and
letting God minister to the depths of our hearts. Here are some of the many
responses;-

“Glad I’m not having to choose a winner, they are ALL
amazing especially the school paintings with an angel made with finger prints,
other favourites being: bean bags (not seen before, beautiful) also stone
painting (beautiful), grass (amazing), rubber ducks (such fun), pottery (loved
the faces) & Willow Tree.”

“The presentations of Christmas Nativity were lovely and
quiet. We would come again.”

“I am moved by all the displays, they each reflect the
vision and faith of the maker, be it children or craftsmen & women, created
from any material, or purchased, each are a reflection of the birth of Jesus
and moving in their own way.”

“The whole atmosphere in the sanctuary was perfect. The wide
range of nativity exhibits was quite remarkable: imaginative! Made me think
....! Made me contemplate. Much appreciated, a blessing.”

But it didn’t finish here because we gathered up all the
“post-it notes” with comments. There were at least 60 beautiful comments,
enough to put some in each thank you card as the nativities returned to their
keepers. We wonder what joys unfolded as the cards were opened and read.