“I’ve wanted a nativity scene for a long, long time,” explained Patricia Koch to the audience gathered in the historic 1880 church at the Santa Claus Museum and Village on Holy Saturday, April 8.
She added, “I can’t fully express my appreciation and wonder.”
She was speaking about the half life-size Fontanini nativity donated to the museum by someone who wishes to remain anonymous.
The beautiful, hand-painted figurines look as if they were custom made to adorn the Deutsch Evangelische St. Paul’s Kirche — part of the complex that comprises the Santa Claus Museum and Village, along with the historic post office, 40-ton, 22-foot concrete Santa Claus statue and the museum building itself where Santa Claus keeps an office.
Santa spoke of his parallel to Jesus saying he recognizes the Savior as a comrade and brother in the Christmas spirit. “We can all be a Santa. We don’t need a red suit ad right hair.” He continued, On Easter Sunday make your challenge to be Santa. Leave the gift giving to me, but spread joy and happiness.”
Story and photos by Kathy Tretter
