To the Center of the Earth
Austria
R. Himmelbauer
Setting – Brian Zampier

This stylized crèche mountain, crafted in peasant gothic style, describes a downward spiraling movement starting at the top with the three musician angels and ending at the bottom with the cave of the nativity set deep inside the mountain. Heaven (angels) calls to witness God's saving grace in Christ. It penetrates all layers of human reality, and is present even in the cave of its darkest recesses. The joyful procession of frolicking sheep and richly-painted shepherds and kings is a symbol of new creation, born again in Jesus Christ. It contrasts with the elegant but empty beauty of the smaller mountains surrounding it.