With just a few days before Christmas, many homes have begun displaying holiday décor. In the Christian tradition, the Nativity scene is just as significant as the tree, and you may share its significance with your child. Putting up a cot for baby Jesus in many homes is a yearly ritual. The crib will be finished in some households by December 1. While some wait until December 24 to have the Holy Family enters the stable, beginning with the First Advent.
All cribs are one-of-a-kind, just like their new parents. Also, the figures in the crib usually convey more than just a literal interpretation of the Bible. If you would like to have it for your home so that you can explain the meaning of the scene to your children, then having a set at your place is important. Holyart.com has a wide variety of nativity scenes for you to choose from.
Origins of the Nativity Scene
Live nativity scenes depicting the birth of Jesus were first staged in the village of Greccio, Italy, by Saint Francis of Assisi in the eleventh century, and the practice quickly caught on in other Christian nations. Actors in churches traditionally performed nativity scenes; later, figurines were created for use at home.
Sometime around the end of the 15th century, in the city of Naples, it is believed that the very first Nativity scene with clay people was created. The Spanish and Neapolitan monarch Charles III had this Nativity scene made out of clay and distributed around his realms.
What is the Deeper Meaning of the Nativity Scene?
Baby Jesus, Mother Mary, and Joseph are the standard nativity figurines seen in every crib. Some animals, such as an ox and a donkey, are also included. Shepherds tend to flocks of sheep, and their trusty canine companions are extra. Three Eastern kings—Jasper, Melchior, and Balthazar—also make an appearance as wise men. The cradle isn’t complete without an angel or two. But can we get to the bottom of what the crib actually means?
Mary Figurine:
Mary, the new mother, is the epitome of the concept of chastity and purity. Usually dressed in a heavenly robe, she kneels or sits near the infant. For example, in both the Old and New Testaments, the color blue is associated with the heavens and so with piety and fidelity. The ocean’s vastness and depths are also connected with the color blue; therefore, blue bridges the gap between the sky and the ground.
Joseph Figurine:
To highlight Mary’s purity, Joseph is shown as an older man. He’s the one carrying the glowing lantern or leaning slightly forward on a stick, and he’s standing alongside or behind his loved ones. He represents the guardian in this sense. In addition time, Joseph is revered as the “guardian of light” whose role in Christ’s birth is important in bringing hope to the world.
Jesus Christ:
Baby Jesus is the narrative’s main character. A brand new infant is sleeping on the hay of a potentially dirty manger in a barn that was only available in case of this emergency. Symbolizing God’s incarnation into humanity, “the Christ child” had nothing of material value. The filthy state of his wardrobe is indicative of his low socioeconomic status. The name Jesus is very significant. Since “God, the Lord helps” and “God is salvation” appear in every version of the Bible, whether it was originally written in Latin, ancient Greek, or Hebrew. This proves without a reasonable doubt that this boy is the “long-awaited rescuer of mankind,” bearing upon his shoulders the weight of all humankind’s suffering.
Ox and Donkey Figurine:
Since the earliest centuries of Catholicism, depictions of the ox and the donkey in symbolic nativity scenes have indeed been commonplace. Even though a manger is stated, none of the animals really appears in Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus. A “pure” ox is a Christian emblem, whereas an “impure” donkey represents non-Christians. Each of these creatures is a member of the infamous “pack animal” family, and they are used to illustrate how Jesus carried a load of his fellow humans as well. Christmas is a big deal for all Christians worldwide and is celebrated with beautiful preparations. Nativity is a part of this holiday, and now you know the concept behind making a set for this scene. Educate yourself and your children along with the celebration.