For the fourth year, The Federated Church Meetinghouse will be filled with over fifty creches in a display titled “There is no Room in the Inn” for the benefit of Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard. These are miniature nativity scenes, which celebrate the birth of Jesus. Children are welcome and will go home with stickers of the nativity scene and a backdrop to color.

Because Bethlehem was full of travelers who had come to take part in the Roman census, there was no room in the inns for Joseph and Mary and their newborn child. Many Island residents face the same problem that Mary and Joseph faced in Bethlehem. There is “no room in the inn” for them. The Creche display seeks to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard. This organization is dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat will offer a silent auction in the lobby of the Meetinghouse which will feature pieces donated to them including antiques and art.
The Creches reflect the creativity of the artists who have made the individual scenes. They range in style from delicate creches made of fragile crystal and glass to the austere beauty of Haitian scenes crafted out of metal salvage from oil drums. They come from all over the world including ones from Haiti, Mexico, Germany, and France.

Check the schedule closer to the weekend for live musical performances.