Christmas Nativity Manger Scene
About Christmas Nativity Manger
What do you do when your wife is about to deliver a special child and there’s no room at the Inn? Why, you go around to the back of the Inn and settle into the manger with the animals. It’s a most humble beginning to the amazing life of Jesus Christ. The Christmas Nativity scene depicts the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas morning. Born in a manger, Jesus came to save humankind from sin. The nativity scene is truly the meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate this day. Without it, none of Christmas and its traditions would have evolved into the special day that it has become.
Most Christians recreate the Nativity scene in their homes or front lawns during the holiday. Displays are created indoors, or out. The Nativity set is the last Christmas display to be put away each year. It is kept up until January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. This is also known as the Feast of the Nativity or “Little Christmas”.
The Elements of the Nativity Scene
A Christmas Nativity set typically includes the manger and numerous nativity figurines.
- Manger (or stable) – usually made of wood, sometimes made of other materials like ceramics.
- Crib – For Baby Jesus to lay in
- Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
- Shepherds, Shepherd boy
- Angels
- The Three Wisemen, also known as the Three Kings – Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar
- Sheep, oxen, camels, and other barnyard animals
- Straw – for the manger floor and around the front of the manger
Note: A Nativity scene should be simple, not elaborate. It should reflect upon the simplicity and humbleness of Christ’s birth. But, we believe selection or creation of a nativity set is no time to scrimp (unless you are tight on cash). Use wood or natural materials. Don’t buy or use plastic. And, decorate the scene tastefully.
Christmas Nativity Traditions
Set up the Nativity set early in the holiday season in a prominent area of the house where all will see.
Light the scene, indoors or out.
Do not put the baby Jesus into the manger until Christmas morning.
Sing Happy Birthday on Christmas morning
Leave the nativity set up until the Feast of the Epiphany. This is called “Little Christmas”.
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