Night Jesus was Born is an unique display of over 900 nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus. The event takes place on December 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on December 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Hodgeville at the Hodgeville Community Centre on the corner of Main Street and Railway Avenue. The admission is free and the hall is wheelchair accessible.
Night Jesus was Born is a walk-through display meant to create an experience that will bring people closer to the meaning of Christmas and set the mood for this special time of the year.
Anne Barkman first came up with the idea of displaying Nativity Scenes in Hodgeville after she attended a similar event in Edmonton. Barkman’s love of collecting nativity scenes was supplemented by gifts from family and friends over the years. She treasured each gift and wanted to find ways for others to join in sharing the true meaning of Christmas in a way that brought people together to reflect, enjoy the ambience of the setting and appreciate the beauty of each nativity scene.
Barkman and her close friend Andrea Kerr launched the first Night Jesus was Born in 2009. As more contributors joined in to share their nativity scene collections, the Night Jesus was Born event outgrew its church location and moved to the Hodgeville Community Centre. Now in its ninth year, the event continues to be organized and staged by a team of local volunteers and contributors who share their treasures.
The collections on display now come from individuals in surrounding communities in southwest Saskatchewan as far as Herbert, Shamrock, Vanguard, Gravelbourg, Rush Lake, Morse, Swift Currant, Mortlach and Cadillac. The nativity scenes on display are made from a variety of materials and come in a wide range of sizes from a lapel pin to large outdoor displays. In addition to handmade wall hangings, quilts, stained glass and many other mediums, there are scenes from countries around the globe. Each one depicts the origins of Christmas, given with love and shared with those who choose to attend.
The nativity scenes are displayed on tables and shelves at eye level set among Christmas trees and decorated with lights. Soft Christmas music in the background creates a relaxing atmosphere. After viewing the displays, visitors can find a cozy seat to have refreshments like apple cider, hot chocolate and Christmas treats.
