The Nativity
Using the Nativity as a Teaching Tool
In my house I have a nativity scene scene on the coffee table that serves as the centerpiece of all my Christmas decorations. I love to just look at it and think about all of the things it represents. Over the years I've seen many nativity scenes from different places around the world and they're all unique and interesting. Nativity scenes present a lot of things that on the one hand are not very accurate historically, but as a piece of art they also highlight some incredible truths. Let's look at some of the things you can talk about with your family this Christmas season.
What's wrong historically?
Their Ethnicity: Most nativity scenes don't depict Mary and Joseph as they really were. Jesus was born into a world of Palestinian Jews. We can't forget that Jesus came as the climax of the story of Israel. (Read Romans 1:16)
Wise Men: It's a common mistake to think that the wise men were there on the day of Jesus' birth, but they actually arrived much later. (Read Matthew 2)
Angels: Did you know that angels do not have wings? In the Bible they usually appear in the form of humans. Sometimes people don't even realize they were talking with an angel. (Read Hebrews 13:2)
What's right theologically?
Attention: In most nativity scenes they eyes of every single person are fixed on Jesus. Why? Because Christmas is about Jesus! It's a great reminder that are eyes should always be on him. (Read Hebrews 12:2)
Shepherds: The first people to hear the announcement of Jesus' birth were some lowly shepherds. This is a great reminder that Jesus came for all of us. (Read Romans 6:10)
Donkey: If your nativity has a donkey it is a wonderful reminder of the prophecy about Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his humble nature.(Read Zechariah 9:9)
Sheep: My favorite detail in my own nativity scene is they every person and animal is focused on Jesus except for a sheep. It's a great reminder that Jesus, our Great Shepherd, came to seek and save that which was lost. (Read Luke 15)
Mary: Mary is often depicted wearing a red garment to represent her motherhood and a blue shawl to represent her purity. This is a beautiful picture of the virgin birth. (Read Matthew 1:18-25)
Jesus: No matter how big and decorative your nativity scene is, the smallest piece in the entire scene is Jesus. It's incredible to think that the King and Creator of the Universe humbled himself and became a tiny vulnerable baby in a manger for us. (Read Philippians 2:8)
There's much more, but these are just a few highlights for you. I hope that this Christmas you can take a simple piece of art in your home and use it as a teaching tool to talk about Jesus and the incredible gift he gave us!