Whether He’s created with stained glass, car parts, a revolving display, or even cardboard, the star of the show is still the same: the baby Jesus. University of Dayton’s Marian Library has one of the largest collections of international nativities in the United States, and it’s time for the Holy One to shine a message of peace and hope to the world once again.

“Every year we have about 40 volunteers who actually create the sets so we are able to display some new ones each year,” said Dr. Gloria Dodd, a lecturer and researcher at UD. “We have somewhere between 2,500 and 3,000 nativity sets, so we rotate them for exhibits.”

“Peace on Earth”

At the First Floor Roesch Gallery, marvel at the numerous ways the birth of Jesus is celebrated around the world. Dozens of Nativities depicting various cultures are presented in glass cases on pedestals.

“Children’s Delight”

The day I reviewed the exhibits, over 100 sixth graders from the School of the Incarnation were touring the show. They gathered around a large-scale cardboard Nativity created by an artist from Michigan, who wrote that it took one week per piece to create the installation. Smaller Nativities surrounded the open area to the first floor.

One particularly charming display was created by Marie Ethel Freeman of Sydney, Australia. “Knitted Nativity” included colorful yarns and elaborate costumes.

“Twelve Days of Christmas”

On the seventh floor, Marian Library, a delightful rotating display created by Michael Foley enhances the artistry of Fritz Ostdiek. A “Nativity Triptych” by Harry Mushenheim, a retired UD math professor, greets visitors to the Creche Museum with inlaid and painted glass.

“Mary - A Labor of Love”

A collection of images of the Holy Mother is displayed in the small Seventh Floor Marian Library Gallery.

In addition, two other UD nativity presentations are available: “A Humble Abode” through January 6 at the Gallery St. John, 4400 Shakertown Rd., and “The Beauty of Christmas” through January 7 at the Transfiguration Center in Ludlow Falls. On campus at Marion, World Nativity customizable lesson plans are available. Scout participation patches for visiting the exhibit can be earned by the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio.

“This year we have a strong emphasis on children, and children reaching out for peace,” said Sister Jean Frisk. “That’s the whole overarching thought here, that children dance around the Holy Nativity longing for peace with one another. Each of these Nativities reflect the joy, hope, and contentment of peace.”