How To Create A Beautiful Nativity Display For Christmas
In all of the sparkle of Christmas decorations and the glow of the Christmas tree there is one even more important piece of holiday decor – the nativity display. The real reason for the Christmas season, baby Jesus who would one day stretch out his arms and save us all. In this post we will explore the history of this reminder of the Christmas story and how to create a beautiful nativity display for Christmas.
The History of The First Nativity Display
The first nativity scene was set up by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223 in Greccio, Italy. Near Greccio were caves that reminded him of his trip to the Holy Land and the caves he saw there. Or perhaps inspired by the mosaics of the nativity in Rome he wanted to represent the birth of baby Jesus.
The setting and construction were simple: a cave, a manger, an ox and a donkey were brought to the site. On the 25th of December, friars, men and women from the area gathered around this scene, carrying flowers and torches.
And with this simple display of real animals and a manger a cherished tradition began to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
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The Story That Is The True Meaning of Christmas
The story of Christmas in the Gospel of Luke unfolds over several chapters, starting with the announcement of Jesus’ birth by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary. This event is followed by the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the announcement of His birth to the shepherds, and the visit of the angels to the infant Jesus. The story emphasizes themes of hope, justice, and joy, as it highlights the humble birth of Jesus in a manger and the significance of His mission to bring salvation to all people. This book also emphasizes the importance of the shepherds (who were common people) as witnesses to the birth of the Messiah which tells us that Jesus is for all people. Overall, the Christmas story in Luke is a testament to God’s great love and His plan for salvation, making it a central part of the Christian faith. (Luke chapters 1:26-2:40)
In the Gospel of Luke (Luke 2:1-20), the story of the three wise men (Magi) is not a detailed account, but it is mentioned that they came to visit Jesus after his birth. The account in Matthew 2:1-12 provides a more detailed account of their journey.
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Where To Set Up Your Christmas Nativity Scene
This holiday season set up your Christmas Nativity scene in different places, inside or out!
- In the living room – on a coffee table, your fireplace mantel, or a sofa table
- In the dining room – in the center of your table or on a side board
- In the front yard – outdoor displays and use Christmas lights as the comet star in your outdoor nativity scene
- On the front porch – A Christmas nativity scene displayed here would be the perfect location to protect your display from potential weather damage.
Wherever your perfect location is for your display of Nativity characters, this timeless tradition will share the holiday’s spiritual significance with all of your family and friends.
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Find The Perfect Nativity Display For Your Home’s Decor
There are different ways to display the holy family in your home. There are various styles of nativity displays with the overall look being anything from a more modern set to a classic nativity and everything in between.
- Modern display – these sets have a contemporary touch. They are often a monochromatic color scheme (all black, brown or white for example), a simple wood carving, and clean lines.
- A minimalist nativity scene – this can be as simple as a wooden peg doll representing each of the crib figures
- Bisque, porcelain or ceramic sets – these are elegant and often are vintage sets. The prominent figures are bisque, porcelain or ceramic while the nativity stable can be wooden or made of the same material as the figurines.
- Rustic nativity set – these are often wooden, handmade, or perhaps made of metal
- Outdoor sets – A blow mold full nativity set is a vintage lover’s dream, where there are wooden cutout pieces that are a beautiful way to share the spirit of the season.
Where To Get Your Perfect Nativity Display
A large nativity scene can get pricey, depending on where you purchase it. You can find inexpensive small sets at dollar stores, more expensive sets at craft stores, or even at craft fairs where you’ll find handmade sets (this is the best way to find an outdoor set).
A great way (in my opinion) to find your nativity display is in thrift stores or antique shops. You might not find an entire scene but here are some helpful tips to create a well-thought out nativity scene. First step, do you only have small spaces to decorate or somewhere larger? Consider the scale of your nativity figures – keep these in the same size family for a cohesive display.The wooden stable does not have to be a wooden stable. Find a unique way to display your nativity. For example use a crate, adding twinkle lights for a starry night.
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A Beautiful Nativity Display To Celebrate The Spirit Of The Season
I didn’t want this to be step-by-step instructions on how to set up a nativity display. I want you to make this your own tradition, not just another decorative task leading up to Christmas Day. First things first consider your personal preferences and make a plan for a well-thought-out nativity scene by determining your style, the space where you will display it and the size of the central piece (your version of the wood stable). And the most important thing to remember is that it will be a beautiful decoration that will share the beginning of the story of Jesus.
Before You Fly Away To Create A Beautiful Nativity Display For Christmas
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