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The First of Advent 2015 - Nativity #1 - The Basics
Today is the first of Advent and this year I wanted to focus on the "Nativity". I have a few different "Nativity Scene" figurine sets that I display every Christmas but this one is a favorite from my childhood. The figurines are somewhat cartoon-like but they are still very precious to me. As I looked at these figurines I started to wonder about the details portrayed by these little statues - so today let's start with the basics.
We'll start with basic definitions: What does "nativity" mean?
Nativity - the process or circumstances of being born
(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
Therefore, it makes sense that we display a "nativity scene" portraying what we celebrate during Advent and Christmas.
What about "creche"?
Crèche - a representation of the nativity scene
(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
I used to think that creche was just the stable/barn figurine - however I was wrong.
Manger - a trough or open box in a stable designed to hold feed for livestock
(Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
We know that Mary placed Jesus in a manger from this verse:
"She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Luke 2:7
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That verse started to make me wonder about the stables where Jesus was born. I do not have any training in Biblical history so I decided to research this question online.
Was Jesus really born in a stable/barn?
The answer is probably NOT - He was most likely born in a house. We know for sure that there was no room in the Inn (see previous verse above) and because Mary placed Jesus in a manger it is just inferred that they were in a barn. We also seem to modernize what it must have been like at Jesus' birth (I know I do). However, it was normal for animals to live in people's homes during Biblical times. So, the fact that Mary placed Jesus in a manger should not prove that they were in a barn.
Even though our modern day Nativity Scenes may not portray exactly how life was then - it is still important and precious for families to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
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In the weeks to come we will explore the other aspects of the Holy Nativity including the visitors.
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ENJOY!
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The First of Advent from previous years:
(click on the titles below to view previous First of Advent posts on this blog)
2012 - O Come All Ye Faithful (& Advent Wreath)
2013 - Angels We Have Heard on High
2014 - O Little Town of Bethlehem
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Such a lovely Nativity Set.
ReplyDeleteAngel
The nativity scene is adorable! And I never knew that it was called a creche
ReplyDeleteI love your Nativity Set and the description, too. :)
ReplyDelete