Christmas Nativity
What is the meaning
and purpose of a Christmas nativity?
A Christmas
nativity is probably one of the most recognizable symbols of the Christmas
season.
The word “nativity” is
taken from the Latin “nativus,”
which means "arisen by birth."
Nativities
are art, models, carvings, or live demonstrations depicting the night of Jesus'
birth.
These
scenes generally contain the same elements: the Christ child in a manger; His
mother, Mary; His earthly father, Joseph; shepherds; angels; various barn
animals; and sometimes three wise men.
Saint
Francis of Assisi created the very first nativity scene in 1223 in an effort to
promote the true meaning of Christmas and worship of Jesus Christ. His idea
caught on, and soon a new Christmas tradition was born.
Today, it is
almost impossible for one to go through the Christmas season without seeing a
nativity scene in front of a church, in a Christmas play, decorating someone's
yard, or placed in model form on a fireplace mantel.
In spite of
the nativity's popularity, there are a few theological errors in many of them.
First, most
nativity scenes are set in a stable or cave.
While this
may have been where Jesus was born, it is just as likely that Jesus was born in
the lower level of a home, amongst animals who were brought inside for the
night .
(The Greek
word for "inn" (kataluma), found in Luke 2:7,
can also mean "house").
In
addition, the angels that are often shown hovering over the stable in a
nativity were likely not there, at least not visibly.
The angels'
part in the Christmas story took place in a field, where they announced Jesus'
birth to a group of shepherds (Luke 2:8-14) .
Finally,
although the wise men often appear in a nativity, they did not visit Jesus the
night of His birth.
The magi
visited Jesus some time later in a house, when He was a toddler (Matthew
1:1-11).
In spite of
the discrepancies, the most important thing about a nativity is its message to
the world:
Because
our sin requires a perfect sacrifice before a holy and just God, our Heavenly
Father sent His own Son to earth as a man so that He could become that sacrifice
(John
3:16).
The child
who was born to Mary and laid in a manger would one day grow up to die on a
cross and rise again so each and every person who believes in Him may receive
forgiveness for sin and eternity in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-4).
Are you struggling with a big
decision or wondering how your eternal future will play out?
Why not talk to the God of the
universe and let Him work in your behalf?
He says, “I
will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with
my eye upon you" (Psalm 32:8).
Ask God to show you what to do. Pray
the following prayer:
“Heavenly Father,
I admit that I am a sinner
and my sins have separated me from You. I now want to turn away from my past
sinful life and begin a new life with You.
Please forgive me. I now
receive your Son, Jesus Christ as my Savior, my Master and my Lord. I believe
and confess that Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried, and rose from the
dead.
I want to receive all that
Jesus Christ has provided for me as my Savior. Your Word says, ‘Whosoever shall
call on the name of the Lord shall be saved’ (Romans 10:13).
I believe and confess that
Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no man comes unto the
Father, but by Him.
Lord Jesus, I pray and ask
You, to come into my heart and be Lord of my life. I thank You that you have
given me eternal life, and according to Your Word, I am born again.
Heavenly Father, thank You
for the gift of the Holy Spirit Who is in me now. I surrender my life to You. I
promise to study Your Word – the Bible.
Use me for Your glory.
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