Nativity sets from around the world, Mepkin Abbey products, art books and more.
Combing the historical significance of the Christmas Nativity with the diversity of cultures and artists that have interpreted it through the ages, "Finding Bethlehem" guides you thoughtful commentaries of theologians and collectors alike, to artist statements and the voices of "behind-thes-scenes" participants in the Festival, the book explores the spiritual and artistic meaning of the Nativity.Dates for the 2013 Mepkin Abbey Creche Festival
- November 18 thru 24 and 29, 30 and Dec 1 for groups of 10 or less
- December 2 thru 7 for groups larger than 10
Online registration for the 2013 Festival will be available this fall. There is no admission charge for the exhibit. Donations are encouraged to help build the collection and cover exhibition costs. Due to space and time limitations, however, pre-registration is required for the exhibit. Tours will begin at the Abbey Store.
Download 2012 Creche Brochure
What is a Creche?
A creche is a representation of the infant Jesus in the manger, typically surrounded by the figures found in a nativity set. Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men, animals and shepherds are often included in the scenes. Visitors from around the country flock to Mepkin Abbey for an incredible display of unique, handmade nativity sets from around the world. Mepkin’s Abbey’s Creche Festival is a Lowcountry holiday tradition! The monks transform their conference center into a forest of trees and candles which serve as the backdrop for the Nativity sets.
(DVD) Nativity: The Art And Spirit Of The Creche
After the cross, the Nativity scene is Christianity’s most recognized symbol. Its history, art and spirituality have been embraced by cultures around the world for nearly two thousand years. This video unites theologians and collectors with an astonishing and beautiful array of nativity scenes collected from across the globe.
Available for sale in our store!
During the Festival, we are offering a complimentary copy of the DVD the Nativity with a minimum $100 purchase.
There will be no tours of the monastery and Church during the Crèche Festival. We invite you to come at another time for this informative tour.
"Brothers, let us hasten to the Lord’s manger crib, but as far as we can let us first prepare ourselves by his grace to approach it. Then, in the company of the angels, with pure heart, a good conscience and unfeigned faith, let us sing to the Lord in the whole of our life and our monastic conversion: Glory to God in the highest and peace to all of good will."