Room at the Inn' Nativity Display Returned to St. Matthew Center for Health on December 5th and 6th.

Did you grow up with a nativity scene displayed in your home? When you think of nativity scenes, do you imagine the traditional Italian crèche?

The eighth annual "Room at the Inn" nativity display provided a stunning visual reminder that the "Christmas Story" — as illustrated in nativity scenes — does indeed have many expressions. Susan Greely of Oak Park has spent the past 30 years collecting nativity scenes from all over the world. On December 5 and 6, Susan displayed her spectacular collection, which now totals over 325 nativities, at St. Matthew Center for Health in Park Ridge.

"I hope visitors will be struck by God's overwhelming love and generosity by seeing the way other people and other cultures imagine the nativity," Greeley says. She adds that many visitors return each year to see the display and say it gives them a wonderful sense of peace and inspiration in a troubled world.

For Susan and her husband, Pastor Jeff King, the time it takes from their jobs and personal lives is a gift from them to the community. She says, "The set-up actually takes longer than the number of hours the display is open. But it’s worth it to see the delight on people’s faces, adults and children alike. It’s such a wonderful feeling to know that other people are enjoying these crèches as much as we do."

The tradition of the nativity scene, or crèche, dates back to 1223. St. Francis of Assisi is said to have been traveling to the Italian village of Greccio at the time, when the sight of shepherds in moonlit fields evoked images of the first Christmas. Inspired, he beckoned villagers that Christmas Eve to light the sky with their torches, bring their animals and re-enact the nativity. During succeeding centuries, the tradition spread from Italy to the rest of Europe and beyond. Today, many Christian families annually display a crèche, often one that has been handed down from generation to generation.

Susan Greeley, who has traveled extensively, says, "I bought my first nativity scene in 1980 when I was living in Bogota, Colombia." Throughout the years, her collection has grown through gifts she receives, as well as through her own purchases. Almost every one of the nativities has some kind of story behind it. Susan will be at St. Matthew to meet visitors and answer questions about the collection.