Unique Nativity scene proclaims Christ’s birth

Mary and Joseph couldn’t find a room in an inn that starry night in Bethlehem long ago. So they made do, and Mary brought forth Jesus in a stable. 

If the Nativity happened today, could the Holy Family have made do with a shipping container? Who knows? But Shanley High School brought a shipping container to school grounds in December occupied by the Holy Family—in the form of wood carvings.

The concept was the brainchild of an ecumenical foundation led by Craig and Irene Ritchie of Fargo, along with Dr. Ted Sawchuk, MD, and WDAY-TV reporter Kevin Wallevand. The project aimed to encourage families to come see the “Reason for the Season.” Famed Minnesota-based chainsaw artist Scott Petry carved and painted the figures of the Holy Family and an angel.

But placing these figures in a plain shipping container wouldn’t do, so the foundation asked the Shanley High School Art Club to paint the interior of the container to help create the scene. A benefactor donated all of the straw as well.

The Nativity scene was on display at Shanley High School through the week of Dec. 14, 2025. For the remainder of the Christmas season, the scene was on display at Burning Hearts Church in West Fargo, a Christian church where Dr. Sawchuk is a member of the board of directors. Jim Roers of Roers Construction moved the container from the high school to the church. Many others were instrumental in seeing the project through to completion, and it’s hoped the container will be on display each Christmas season for the foreseeable future.

“O come let us adore him!”