Why We Need a Nativity Set

By: Lauren Thomas 

Christmas décor trends come and go. This year, it’s all about “Ralph Lauren Christmas.” I’m also seeing a lot of paper chains and a focus on DIY décor. But ironically, both of these trends have to do with timeless Christmas decorating. And what is more timeless than a beloved nativity set? 

As a child, one of my favorite parts of decorating for Christmas was getting to set up and arrange our Precious Moments nativity set. I remember delicately handling the rough, unglazed porcelain. I remember imagining the scene and story. I remember the reverence I had for the pieces, specifically, the tiny manger holding the baby Jesus.

A couple years ago, I was on the hunt for a nativity set for my family. Somehow, between thrifting one and being gifted two, I ended up with three sets! None of these sets were what I would have selected for myself at a store. They aren’t aesthetic. They aren’t fancy. But they fulfill an important function.

 

And what is that function?

 

Nativity sets are great teaching aids! When decorating this year, my 7-year-old daughter asked if she could arrange the pieces. We talked about each piece and how they are representative of the Biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth. If you have young children at home, you need an inexpensive set that they are allowed to touch. My 2-year-old likes to pick up the manger. I teach him the importance of being gentle – not with an heirloom figurine – but with the Christ-child in a manger. It’s a step toward teaching him reverence for the Lord.

 

But a nativity set isn’t just for teaching my children. My nativity set teaches my heart. It teaches my heart to remember. When I look at our Christmas tree – warm white lights, a woodland theme with gold accents – I think of the holiday. But when I see our nativity, I remember Christmas. I slow down and contemplate what each piece symbolizes. And what that means for me.

 

This year I am struck by the variety of people to whom God chose to reveal His son’s birth: Mary – a young and humble girl; shepherds – social outcasts, smelly, dirty, rough; wisemen – Gentiles that God nevertheless included. And I am reminded that the favor God showed toward these unlikely individuals, he also shows to me: a Savior has been born for me.

 

10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:10-12 ESV

 

So, when I see a figurine of a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger, it is a sign that good news of great joy is for me too. And this reminding, this teaching for the heart, is why we need a nativity set.

 

Reflection:

Do you have any special memories attached to a nativity set?

If you have a nativity set at home – and I hope you do! – go sit near it and contemplate Christ’s birth. Put yourself in the sandals of each piece, there to witness the miracle. What might each person have been thinking, feeling?