Meditation on the Nativity Scene

Most of us have a nativity set out this time of year. Some will have multiple. You'll see realistic sets with detailed painting or simple, almost abstract representations. While many take inspiration from European Renaissance era paintings, others attempt to recreate the ancient Middle Eastern or even depart entirely from realism to present the birth of Christ. A church I served was gifted an Alaskan nativity scene with an igloo instead of a stable and seals instead of sheep.

We unpack it with the rest of the seasonal decorations and display with the tree and greenery then put away with the ornaments and lights until next year. But how often do we consider the scene? Instead of mere decoration, the scene could prompt us to meditate on our savior's birth. Consider:

Everyone in the scene is traveling. No one was a resident. Mary and Joseph journeyed from Nazareth, the Shepherds from the surrounding fields, and the magi from a distant, Eastern land. And the furthest travel, Christ Himself, leaving the glorious heights of heaven to be born in humility.

Consider where they have come, the town of Bethlehem. Literally, the name means "House of Bread". How fitting that the Bread of Life is born in this town, and how fitting that he is placed in a feed trough.

We see the shepherds. They have come to adore the Good Shepherd. They who have been caring for their flock bow before the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.

The magi, wise men, from the East have seen the Messiah's star in the skies. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." They have come to see Holy Wisdom himself. These gentiles testify that the Seed of Abraham will be a blessing to all nations.

We see Mary, who shows us the essence of discipleship. When Gabriel announced the Gospel, her response was “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” She imitates the obedience of her Son who will later say, "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

And Joseph, Jesus' adopted father. His fatherly protection and care display an image of our Heavenly Father's love for us. Because of Christ, we are made God's children through adoption. So, Joseph adopts Jesus as his son, so that the Son's Father might adopt Joseph.

And there is Jesus - the infinite, eternal God who created the heavens and the earth has become an infant and nothing will ever be the same.