Gary J Sibio
Like most cities, at least in the USA, Chicago has a nativity scene which is displayed in the Loop at Daley Plaza. It is usually placed on the eastern edge of the plaza in order to make room for the German Christmas Market.
It is privately funded and set up by the “God Squad,” a group of carpenters, electricians and other tradesmen who volunteer their time.
These photos were taken in 2009, 2010 and 2011. I haven’t been back to see it since then. The scene is the same from year to year so, even if I had, there would not be anything different to show you.
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Chicago Nativity Scene 2011 (2010-12-10 12-32-36a)
I have to laugh at this scene. It's a close-up of Mary and Jesus. The reason I find it funny is that Mary, approaching the end of nine months of pregnancy, has just had a three day ride on the back of a donkey and given birth in a stable.
I'm guessing that here clothing would not be so fancy or, for that matter, clean. Also, even though I detest political correctness, I'd really like to see the Holy Family portrayed with a skin tone that is more in keeping with the Middle East.
Photo © 2010, 2017 Gary J. Sibio. All rights reserved.
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Chicago Nativity Scene 2011 (2011-12-01 15-48-16a)
The three in the foreground are shepherds. That's Joseph in the back.
The shepherds contrast with the Three Kings who we will see next. Shepherds were despised by most people. They were at the bottom of the social structure. They were dirty and smelly from taking care of the flocks. People who lived in the cities could wash off. The shepherds didn't have that opportunity.
Photo © 2011, 2017 Gary J. Sibio. All rights reserved.
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Chicago Nativity Scene 2011 (2011-12-01 15-48-38a)
In contrast to the shepherds, we have the three wise men. Traditionally three are shown but the Bible doesn't tell us how many there actually were. Often called the Magi, we don't really know anything about them. They may have been Babylonian astrologers which would account for their interest in the Star of Bethlehem. They must have been wealthy because they brought Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh which were expensive items.
Photo © 2011, 2017 Gary J. Sibio. All rights reserved.
Good to see this is still being done Gary.
Some atheist groups tried to stop it but they failed.
Great photo! That’s a beautiful nativity scene Gary 🙂
Thanks, Paul. I appreciate it.