This year, the Allen Nativity Exhibit will offer visitors a glimpse into history through the pages of Bibles, dating back five centuries. Reid Moon, a longtime Allen area resident, has volunteered to showcase his unique collection of rare Bibles, prayer books, and historical artifacts for the Allen Nativity Exhibit, taking place Friday, December 6, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Allen. The church is located at 1324 West Exchange Parkway in Allen, Texas. The event is free and all are welcome.
The items in Moon's collection have some famous roots. There is a Catholic prayer book owned by Pope Pious VII. There is an oversized Bible owned and commissioned by Louis the XV, printed in both French and Latin. There is a Tyndale Bible from 1549, named for the devout religious leader who was put to death for publishing the Bible in English. There is a Geneva Bible dating back to 1599, one of the first English Bibles brought to the Americas by the Pilgrims. There is a first edition King James Bible, dating back to 1611. In all, there are approximately 30 Bibles on display.
Guests of the exhibit will experience the various accounts of the birth of Jesus Christ, from Bibles with detailed illustrations of the nativity, to Bibles in diverse languages, such as Hawaiian, Burmese, and Maori. There are even Bibles of all shapes and sizes on display. There is a tiny “thumb Bible,” which measures just 2 inches, and a “finger Bible,” measuring about 4 inches, both from the 1800s. On the larger scale, visitors will see a Bible owned by George III, King of England, which measures 24" tall. This historical, treasured collection of sacred text will be an inspiring addition to the Nativity Exhibit this year.
In addition to the collection of rare Bibles and religious texts, the Nativity Exhibit draws thousands of visitors each year to view nativity sets from around the world. Each display is unique and varies in material and cultural artistry, such as a hand carved cedar nativity from Jerusalem, a set of clay figures from the mountains of Peru, and a world-renowned Fontanini Nativity from Tuscany, Italy. All displays are on loan from local Allen area residents.
Live musical performances are scheduled regularly throughout the event. Past performers include: children’s choirs, family ensembles, solo harpists, flutists, and vocalists. Many Allen area churches have participated in the music over the years, as well as Allen ISD and Lovejoy ISD.
***Friday, Dec. 6th*** Event will not be open today due to weather. Saturday/Sunday/future hours to be determined.