Many children grow up in a home that display nativity sets, either one or multiple. Each year, as the family unwraps this scene from over 2,000 years ago, they talk about what it means to them. The nativity is of great significance for Christians around the world. It is one of the foundations of their faith.
So where does this tradition of nativity sets come from? It started back in 1223 with Saint Francis of Assisi. He was so moved by his trip to the Holy Land that he wanted to commemorate it by using the birth story of Jesus to tell the world about him. So, after seeking permission from Pope Honorius III, he set a hay-filled manger along with two livestock animals inside a cave in a small Italian Village called Grecio. It is from this one single act that millions of homes are now displaying these scenes each year during the holidays.
This fast growing tradition moved across Europe and throughout the world. Due to that, the materials that are used to create them vary from wood, plaster, glass, and a number of different fabrics. They also range in size from life-sized to miniature. Large sets are displayed beautifully in churches or front yards, while smaller ones are ideal for even a child’s room.
A basic scene is one of Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus in a manger. From there, additions can range from the Three Wise Men, shepherds, angels, the people of Bethlehem, various livestock, and even trees. These scenes commonly include some sort of stable or stable frame with the Star of Bethlehem placed on top.
Online Christmas stores have a huge variety to choose from. So finding nativity sets for anyone’s home is easy with just a few simple clicks of the mouse.
