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GATHERING AROUND THE CRÈCHE
Friends and family of Loyola University Chicago (LUC) gathered
to celebrate the miracle of Christmas around the crèche, just
as—guided by the promise of the Star of Bethlehem—shepherds,
angels, and Magi gathered over 2,000 years ago to pay homage
to the Christ child. Nothing is more intimate than the arrival
of a newborn child into a family, and in contemplating the
Holy Family depicted in the multitude of crèches on exhibit,
we recall the essence of the Nativity: Christians celebrating the
foundation of their faith. Jesus Christ was, from his birth, a
unifier and welcoming to all.
The community gathered in the small town of Bethlehem
honoring the Christ child was a celebration of diversity. The
lowly shepherds who came down from the mountains, outcasts
welcomed at the manger. Angels heralded the arrival of a
newborn child. Magi, Wiseman or kings, having followed the
star from distant lands laden with gifts, bowed before the Christ
child.
Guided by the mission and work of LUC, a community of
loyal friends were invited to join together in festive celebration
on Sunday, December 14, to rejoice in the Nativity. As the true
meaning of the season came to light, a winter wonderland
resonated with the sounds of carols, conversation, and children
laughing, awaiting the arrival of friends who came from near
and far. A visit with Santa enchanted children, and guests
enjoyed hot cocoa and Christmas treats. Tours of the exhibition
paralleled the diversity in the LUC’s community, with crèches
from around the world—each culture telling the story of the
Nativity in its own tradition, all with the underlying promise
of new life.
The village that came together that wintry afternoon at
LUMA is an expression of both our global diversity as well as
unity and support of LUC’s mission—a diverse community
seeking God in all things, and working to expand knowledge
in the service of humanity through learning, justice, and faith.
LUC celebrates this diverse community for their
outstanding support and generosity, and welcomes all to join in
continuing to prepare people to lead extraordinary lives.
Highlights
The Terra Foundation for American Art
is synonymous with the arts in Chicago.
They have an excellent reputation for providing funding that allows artistic
exhibitions and programs come to fruition. This is one of the reasons LUMA is
honored to have the Terra Foundation as a sponsor for the exhibition
Gather Up
the Fragments: The Andrews Shaker Collection
, February 7–April 26, 2015. More
specifically, their grant award has allowed the museum to create a catalogue that
educates visitors and scholars alike on the history of the Shakers—a community with
only three remaining members. We are extremely grateful for the Terra Foundation’s
support and proud of the educational text we have been able to create as a result.
SPONSOR
From left: Jacqueline Willer posting her Christmas list to Santa; LU Wolf and
Loyola Capella entertained guests; LU Wolf telling Santa his wish list for a year
of Rambler victories.
Oval Boxes
, Mount Lebanon, NY, and Canterbury, NH, ca. 1840. Andrews Collection, Hancock Shaker
Village. Photo by Michael Fredericks.
