Home-made wines, cakes, gifts, and midnight mass — how can Christmas be celebrated without these? But what forms an integral part of the festivities is a story retold year after year — that of the birth of Jesus, the saviour.
If Hindus depict the story of their gods and goddesses through Kolu during Navaratri, Christian families depict the scene of the birth of the Son of God by setting up a crib in their homes. The crib or a manger or nativity scene depicts the story of birth of Jesus as described in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. It has figures representing infant Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Other characters include shepherds, the Magi and the angels.
Setting up the dolls is done creatively by many. While some use huge figures there are others who try to infuse novelty in the arrangement. One such person who does not allow waste to go waste is C.A. John.
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An expert in making art out of throw-away items, he also likes to experiment with crib set up every year during Christmas. This time, he has chosen to depict the most important biblical scene inside a five-foot tall candle with flames.
Says John: “The crib inside the burning candle symbolises the birth of Jesus, who is the light of the world. It reminds us of the sacrifice that he made to save mankind.”
The candle is a fundamental component of Christian belief which represents love, warmth and light that the birth of the son of god spread though out the world.
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The three wicks with flames represent Jesus, Mary and Joseph; Faith, hope and love; the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. The candle has been made from plaster of paris, iron mesh, sponge, chart paper for the flames, cardboard and old cloth. It took John 18 days to finish the crib and decorate the Christmas tree.
John, who finds it difficult to dispose off his old art work, has sparsely furnished his drawing room to accommodate the crib, which will be kept on display till mid-January.
He says all are welcome to see his latest creation. A resident of Kodambakkam, John can be contacted on 90435 21772.