Creche Scenes Visual Story of Christmas Night
Nativity Brings Together Mary, Joseph, Jesus, Shepherds and Magi
Dec 20, 2008
Creche scenes can be found inside the home, in front yards, in church sanctuaries and in towns and villages. The scenes vary in size and materials, but their central theme is the visual story of the night of the first Christmas and the birth of the Messiah.
The Nativity brings together Mary, Joseph, the Christ Child, Shepherds, Angels and Wise Men. The Nativity scene is a visual proclamation of the story of Christ’s birth, the Christmas story. For people who are visually oriented, the Nativity is a symbolic expression of the Christmas story. (Luke 2:6-7).
Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus
Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem to pay their taxes. There was no room in the inn, but they were allowed to take lodging in a stable. Mary gave birth to Jesus in the stable and laid him in a manger, which is a trough that animals drink out of.
‘..Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.’
The Shepherds
Shepherds were herding their flock of sheep at night. An angel of the Lord stood before the Shepherds and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. The angel said to them. ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy for all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you; You will find a Child wrapped in bands of cloth, laying in a manger.’
The heavenly host of angels appeared, praising God and saying; ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among all people!’
After the angels went back into heaven, the shepherds said to each other ‘Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us,’ and they came quickly and found Mary and Joseph, and the Child, who was lying in a manger. (Luke 2:8-16).
The Magi
It is not likely that the Magi were actually at the manger scene, but they are included in the Nativity as a representation. They did visit the Christ Child, but it is was later, commemorated as January 6, which is the day of the Epiphany.
The Magi had seen the Star of Bethlehem and traveled to Jerusalem and asked here to find him. When Kind Herod heard that the Magi were looking for the King of the Jews, he instructed them to find him and bring word back to King Herod so he could also pay homage to the baby.
‘When they had heard the king, they departed; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it came and stood over where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had entered the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and fell down and paid him homage. Then opening their treasure chests, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.’ (Matthew 2:1-12).
Animals at the Nativity
Animals are usually part of the Nativity scene, although some smaller nativities may leave them out. Animals often in the crèche scene include the donkey that Mary rode, Cattle that were in the stable, sheep with the shepherds and camels ridden by the Wise Men.
The Creche, or nativity is a beautiful reminder of the miracle of Christmas.
Resources:
The Voice CRI/Voice Institute
Biblical and Theological Resources for Growing Christians
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