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By Bridget Retzloff

Nativity sets and music tell the Christmas story around the world, sharing a message of joy and hope for Christians as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. For 30 years, the Marian Library has curated an exhibit from its collection of over 3,600 Nativity sets. 

This year’s Christmas exhibit features Nativity sets, artwork, rare books and archival material — all related to Christmas music. Artwork and music help celebrate and tell the Christmas story around the world. 

What is a Nativity Set?

A Nativity set, or crèche, is a three-dimensional representation of the Christmas story — the birth of Jesus Christ. The Marian Library’s collection includes examples from around the world, made from a wide variety of materials in a large range of sizes.  

In any place, medium, size or time, artwork of the Nativity depicts Mary in her role as the mother of Jesus. In a Nativity set, Mary and Jesus are usually accompanied by familiar figures: Joseph, shepherds with their sheep, angels, three wise men, a donkey and an ox. 

Musicians can also be present in a crèche, offering their gift of song to the Holy Family. Musical instruments from around the world may incorporate local musical heritage providing a regional familiarity to viewers that may help them imagine the story in their own lives. Other figures absent from Scripture may be included in Nativity sets simply because of their inclusion in well-known songs, such as “The Little Drummer Boy.”

About the Exhibit

In Joy to the World!, learn about Christmas music history through Nativity sets paired with songs. Discover musicians and musical instruments included in crèches. A selection of music boxes combine Nativity scenes with Christmas music. Artwork, rare books and archival materials round out the exhibit.

There are many opportunities for visitors of all ages to add to their experience of the exhibit. Whether visiting in person or learning more from afar, listen along on the audio guide to hear related songs, commentary and visual descriptions of a selection from the exhibit. Participate in the self-guided Seek-and-Find activity to discover small details throughout the exhibit. Make a music-themed ornament to take home or add to our Christmas tree.

Musical Selections 

Many of the crèches and artwork in the exhibit are paired with songs. A glazed ceramic jar depicting the journey to Bethlehem and the Nativity by Mexican artist Angel Ortiz Gabriel is paired with the Spanish song, La canción para pedir posada. This song is performed as part of the Christmas tradition Las Posadas, a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter in Bethlehem before Christ’s birth. 

Some Nativity sets in the exhibit feature musicians and musical instruments among the figures. The little drummer boy, from the 1949 song, approaches the Holy Family in a crèche by artist Pipka Ulvilden. 

A selection of music boxes and musical snow globes combine Nativity scenes with instruments by playing popular Christmas tunes. A 20th century German wooden music box made in Germany in the Seiffen tradition turns while playing the song “Stille nacht” (“Silent Night”).

Visit go.udayton.edu/christmas-exhibit for hours and more details about the exhibit.

— Bridget Retzloff is an assistant professor and visual resources librarian in the Marian Library.