Yuma First Methodist Opens Massive Nativity Display, Community Reflection
More than 400 nativity scenes were on display at Yuma First Methodist Church on December 5, drawing residents to a large exhibition of church owned, donated, and loaned sets. The event offered a space for visual celebration, quiet reflection, and holiday purchases, and underscored the role of community gatherings in local social life.
On December 5 Yuma First Methodist Church opened its Journey to Bethlehem exhibit, presenting more than 400 nativity scenes gathered from the congregation and the wider community. The collection included sets owned by the church, donated displays, and pieces loaned by community members, allowing visitors to move through a broad array of artistic styles and cultural interpretations of the sacred season.
Visitors were able to browse the extensive exhibit and to purchase nativity sets and Christmas themed jewelry offered during the event. Church leaders framed the display as both a visual celebration and a place for reflection, and community participation was evident in the variety and provenance of the pieces. Church member Susan Lykins invited the public to "walk to Bethlehem" and to experience the diversity represented in the collection.
The exhibit functioned as more than a seasonal attraction. For many attendees it provided an accessible space for contemplative time away from the commercial bustle of the holidays. For families and collectors the sales offered an opportunity to acquire meaningful items without traveling far. The loaned pieces highlighted intergenerational and cross cultural connections, as neighborhood residents contributed family heirlooms and contemporary art to the display.
Public health considerations were part of the context for this gathering. Large indoor events during the holiday season can concentrate people from different households and age groups, which increases the potential for transmission of respiratory illnesses. Residents who are older, immunocompromised, or otherwise at higher risk may wish to take precautions such as avoiding crowded hours, staying home when ill, or using masks as appropriate. Organizers scheduled weekend hours and posted them with the church to help manage visitor flow and give people options for quieter visits.
As a local institution, Yuma First Methodist used the Journey to Bethlehem display to bring neighbors together, showcase community generosity, and provide a reflective space during a busy time of year. The exhibit demonstrated how civic and faith based events can reinforce social bonds while reminding local leaders and health partners of the need to balance community access with practical health protections.
