The Christmas shopping season has certainly begun, though not
the
”
Christmas season
”
itself. According to the traditional Christian calendar, it
begins on Dec. 25 and continues through Jan. 5, the famous
”
12 days of Christmas.
”
The Christmas shopping season has certainly begun, though not the “Christmas season” itself. According to the traditional Christian calendar, it begins on Dec. 25 and continues through Jan. 5, the famous “12 days of Christmas.”
Technically, we are in the liturgical season of “Advent,” a period that began on the fourth Sunday before Christmas (Nov. 29 this year) and continues until the First Eucharist of Christmas on Dec. 25. For centuries this season has been set aside to solemnly prepare for remembering the birth in Bethlehem of Jesus of Nazareth.
Of course, there are numerous events in the near future offering occasions to celebrate Christmas. Here is a small, eclectic example, both far and near.
– The 22nd annual Christmas Crèche Exhibit will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Palo Alto (3865 Middlefield Road) from noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 4 through 8. This year, more than 500 nativities from 80 countries will be on display in a festive holiday setting with live music.
Visitors are sure to be impressed with the diversity of materials used in pieces from around the world and representing many different time periods. There will also be such entertainment as marionette shows and music provided by voice and various instruments. Free admission. Details: (650) 856-3781 or [email protected].
– Once again visitors will be able to experience first century Bethlehem as Santa Clara First Baptist Church (3111 Benton St.) turns its campus into a reenactment of the nativity from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 9 through 13. Costumed Roman soldiers, camels, farm animals, Joseph and Mary travel through dusty streets, ending at a stage where angels, shepherds and Magi visit the Baby Jesus to the strains of Christmas carols. Visitors can enjoy hot chocolate or make crafts between shows. Free admission. Details: (408) 241-7635.
– Morgan Hill Bible Church (15055 Monterey St.) is presenting a” delicious meal in a delightful continental setting” followed by Christmas music and a program of stories told by women of the congregation. “Bistro Belle Noel” will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 10. $15 admission. Details: (408) 778-5083.
– The eighth annual “Sing-Along Messiah” will be held at Morgan Hill’s Advent Lutheran Church (16870 Murphy Ave.) at 5 p.m. Dec. 11. The DeAnza College Orchestra will accompany Advent’s choir and musicians in presenting this performance to the community. Light refreshments will follow. Admission by donation. Details: (408) 779-3551.
– San Francisco’s Grace Episcopal Cathedral (1100 California St.) will continue a 63-year-old tradition as the choir of men and boys is accompanied by a full orchestra and the cathedral’s magnificent organ in “A Cathedral Christmas.” Performances will be at 3 p.m. Dec. 11, 18-21. $15-$50 admission. Details: (415) 749-6300.
– San Jose’s Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph (80 S. Market St.) offers its 14th annual concert series, “Season of Hope,” celebrating “the 12 days before Christmas.” This musical event includes a variety of local performers, including the San Jose Youth Symphony Choir, South Bay Guitar Society, Bella Sorella (Los Angeles “vocal group of the year”) from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Dec. 12-23. Free admission. Details: (408) 283-8100 extension 8100.
– The traditional Christmas story may be familiar to most people: star, angels, inn, manger, wisemen, etc. But “A Historian’s Nativity,” held at San Jose’s Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (81 N. Second St.) at 7 p.m. Dec. 17 is a seminar that will attempt to recount these events in a manner more meaningful and accurate than the legendary accounts most often heard.
Brent Walters, religion professor at San Jose State University and host of KGO Radio’s Sunday morning “God Talk”, will offer background to help modern readers know how the Christians understood this key New Testament content. $18 admission. Details: didache.com/seminars/nativity.
– The Oakland California Mormon Temple (4700 Lincoln Ave.) hosts a variety of performances open to the public. “Silent Night, Holy Night” (Dec. 7, 11, 12) features the Temple Hill Choir singing a selection of beloved Christmas songs. “Behold the Gift” (Dec. 3, 4) celebrates the birth of Jesus through dance. “Handel’s Messiah Concert and Sing-Along” (Dec. 19) invites audience participation.
There will also be a photograph exhibit from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day in the Visitors’ Center featuring photos depicting the life and ministry of Jesus. Free admission. Details: (510) 531-3200.
Do you have a holiday event? If so we’d like to know. Send your event to [email protected].
