A Creche That Reflects the World
Christ Church Youth Celebrate the Faces of Jesus
At Christ Church in Whitefish Bay, the Advent season brings a radiant sense of joy and togetherness. This special time unveils a tradition that blends creativity, inclusion, and faith: the display of a multi-ethnic creche set lovingly crafted by the church’s youth. Completed a few years ago, this project beautifully embodies the message of seeing Christ in all people and cherishing the diverse faces of the world around us.
The Inspiration Behind the Creche
For years, Christ Church displayed traditional European nativity sets during Christmas. Later, the parish added a beautiful Haitian metal creche set. However, something still seemed missing. Inspired by their relationship with All Peoples Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Christ Church embraced an opportunity to engage their youth in a meaningful project—one that would inspire them to “see the face of Jesus in the faces of others.”
Jean Heffernan, then the church school director, led the initiative with thoughtful planning and preparation. The result? A stunning set of 3D canvas nativity figures celebrating the diversity of God’s people and the creativity of the church’s youth.
Crafting the Creche
The project unfolded early in the year, drawing enthusiasm from children and teens of all ages. Using canvas fabric, the figures were sewn, stuffed, and carefully weighted at the base to ensure they could stand tall. Each piece received two coats of white acrylic paint, creating a blank canvas ready for the youth’s artistic expression.
The youngest children brought angels to life, adorning two-dimensional canvas shapes with bright, joyful colors.
Older youth undertook the intricate 3D figures, such as Mary and Joseph, carefully highlighting diverse ethnic features to reflect the global Church.
Jean Heffernan, with dedicated volunteers like Ira Pauline Leidel and Sonja Pavlick, guided the process and added imaginative touches. From crafting animals to designing a modern-day tent symbolizing Jesus’s humble beginnings, their collective effort brought the vision to life.
A Joyful Tradition
Each Advent, Christ Church rotates its creche displays—traditional European, Haitian, and multi-ethnic. Youth take pride in arranging the figures on a display table in front of the church each Sunday, a hands-on tradition deepening their connection to Christ’s birth story. After services, children excitedly revisit their creations, reveling in the joy and significance of their work.
A Call to Other Parishes
This project has become a cherished tradition at Christ Church, fostering creativity, cooperation, and a sense of belonging among the youth. Ira Pauline Leidel reflects, “Take a look at the people in your community and add them to your creche figures to reflect the breadth of God’s good earth.”
For parishes considering their own multi-ethnic creche projects, Ira offers guidance, including patterns and detailed instructions. This Advent, imagine how your community could embark on a similar journey of inclusion and inspiration.
For more information, contact Ira Pauline Leidel at ira@leidel.us. Blessings to you this Advent season as we celebrate Jesus's many faces and the boundless joy of His message.
