Festival Organizers Use Technology to Keep Tradition of Nativity Alive

Organizers of 2007 Christmas Nativity Collection & Music Festival in Williamsport, one of Pennsylvania's largest collection of nativity scenes, uses YouTube and Web technology to promote their event and keep the tradition of the nativity scene alive.

Williamsport, PA (PRWEB) November 25, 2007 -- If you key in the words Williamsport and nativity on your favorite web browser, you'll most likely retrieve www.williamsportchristmas.com, a website promoting the 2007 Christmas Nativity Collection & Music Festival in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Organizers have also posted on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNahC27tc-Y)
video of nativity scenes they will have on display in hopes it will publicize the interfaith event. They claim their event is one of the largest collections of nativity displays in the commonwealth. In addition to conventional approaches to promote their community event, they are using the latest in Web technology to keep the nativity scene alive.

The nativity scene is a three-dimensional artistic representation of the birth of Jesus, which dates back to the 13th century. While focusing on the central figures of the mother Mary and the Christ Child, a nativity depicts a host of earthly and heavenly participants---shepherds, animals, angels, wise men, and commoners.

"The tradition of the nativity scene which commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ has been depicted by artists around the world in different cultures," says Rebecca Meng, Vice Chair for the 2007 Christmas Nativity Collection & Music Festival. "Technology helps us keep alive the story of this glorious and joyous event by preserving the art and sounds of Christmas. We believe in Jesus Christ, whom we love, honor, and worship as the Son of God, the Messiah, our Savior; and His birth is the singular most significant event in the history of the world---so technology helps us pass His story on to the next generation."

The exhibit and music festival set for two evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, and Friday, Nov. 30 at the Williamsport Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at Radar Road in Cogan Station, Pennsylvania (off of Lycoming Creek Road).

"Some of the nativity scenes are quit valuable," says Meng. "We are fortunate to have people who are allowing us to use their nativity scenes throughout North Central Pennsylvania who are participating in this event. It is free to the public. No collection or donation will be requested. This festival is our gift to the community."

Organizers have enlisted the help of more than 128 volunteers who are loaning their family heirlooms for display. Meng estimates that more than 100 nativity scenes will be on display from among collectors from Berwick, Bloomsburg, Towanda, Mansfield, Lock Haven, Williamsport, Sunbury, Selinsgrove. Danville, Milton, and Lewisburg. Many nativity scenes will be on display from around the world.

Jeffrey Martin, a local artist from Port Treverton, will display a special selection of his pastel and oil paintings of Pennsylvania landscapes. He teaches art at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove.

In addition to the exhibition, Meng says live musical performances by local choirs and musicians will be provided nightly. This is an interfaith community event where choirs and musical groups from local churches have been invited to perform. Similar exhibitions and music festivals are held in other parts of the country and attract large numbers of residents.

For a complete listing of the music program and times, please check the Festival's website at www.williamsportchristmas.com.

This event is open to the community and free to the public. No contributions or donations will be requested. Admission is free.

Style guide note: When using the name: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to their online style guide.

Contact: tMax Meng
(570) 452-2774
www.williamsportchristmas.com

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