Introduction
The classic nativity scene consists of the Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, very often accompanied by the ox and the donkey. One or more shepherds may be added, with domestic animals or gifts, as well as farmers and other figures representing different trades (washerwoman, housewife, baker, butcher, delicatessen seller, blacksmith, cobbler…), and finally the three Wise Men.
Each figure has its own place, posture, and colors, but also a very specific meaning of its ownAnd true nativity-scene enthusiasts cannot help but be curious to learn at least some of them.
In this article, we will provide a brief overview of the meaning of the main figures in the nativity scene.
The angels: praising and glorifying God
Myriads of angels bring the announcement awaited for centuries: “Today a Savior has been born for you, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk 2:11).
The depiction of angels within the nativity scene varies according to the traditions passed down in different regions of Italy.
According to the tradition of the Neapolitan nativity scene, they are placed above the stable and number three: in the center is the angel “Glory to the Father,” holding the ribbon bearing the word “Glory”; on the right is the angel “Glory to the Son,” holding a container with burning incense; and on the left is the angel “Glory to the Holy Spirit,” playing the trumpet.
Some nativity scenes feature a single angel holding a ribbon bearing the word “Glory”, almost always placed on the stable or behind the cradle.
Shepherds: keeping watch in the darkness of night
The shepherds are the first to receive the good news of Jesus’ birth. They possess little or nothing and are considered among the humblest and poorest people. They work by day and keep watch in the darkness of night to protect their flock; they remain vigilant and are accustomed to living with the essentials. They are always on the move and therefore open to what is new; they do not overthink or calculate too much and are thus ready for Christmas. They represent all those people who have a heart ready to welcome the event of the Incarnation. For this reason, the figurines depict shepherds of every age: children, adolescents, middle-aged people, and the elderly. Pope Francis says: “The poor and the simple people in the nativity scene remind us that God became man for those who most feel the need for his love and ask for his closeness.”
Their presence in the Nativity scene highlights the poverty-stricken conditions in which Jesus was born.
At the angels' announcement, the shepherds respond by setting out toward him, and for this very reason the shepherds are placed at various points in the Nativity scene, all facing the hut, representing their unconditional journey toward Jesus for an encounter of love and grateful wonder.
Mary and Joseph: obedience and faithfulness
Every Nativity scene shows the Madonna and Saint Joseph. The figurine of the young mother Mary is positioned beside the manger, kneeling or seated, as she silently contemplates and adores the Child in prayer. Her words also come vividly to mind: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38)
Beside Mary we find Joseph, generally depicted at an advanced age to emphasize that he was a righteous man who always entrusted himself to God's will and put it into practice.
He stands near or behind his family, holding a glowing lantern or a staff, to emphasize his role as guardian of the Redeemer.
The Child Jesus: smallness and wonder
The heart of the Nativity scene is the Child. In Jesus, God reveals himself in fragility and weakness: he lies on the straw of a manger placed in a poor stable used as emergency shelter. There is nothing grand in the grotto: only a poor child wrapped in swaddling clothes, with Mary and Joseph and some shepherds around him. Yet right there, in smallness, is God. Smallness is the way he chooses to reach us, touch our hearts, and save us. God comes into the small things of our lives, God dwells in our daily lives, in the gestures we make at home, in the family, at school, and at work. God takes on our fragility and our wounds. It is in our ordinary lives, in the small things of life, that he wants to accomplish extraordinary things.
The Three Wise Men: on their way to Jesus
These three characters, who appear only in the second chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, had set out toward Bethlehem to meet Jesus and offer Him their gifts. Therefore, they enter the Nativity scene from the point farthest from the grotto and gradually draw closer, eventually arriving on January 6, the Epiphany of the Lord.
The Three Wise Men are depicted as physically different, in fact, they symbolize the three continents known at the time: Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Melchior, old and with a long beard, represents Europe and brings gold as a gift, to honor Jesus' royalty.
Balthazar appears as a middle-aged man and instead represents Asia, bringing the child Jesus incense, which symbolizes His divinity.
Caspar, the youngest, has a dark complexion, represents the African population, and brings myrrh as a gift. This is a resin that was used in ancient times for burial. This characteristic symbolizes Jesus' humanity, who would experience suffering and death.
Conclusion
The Nativity characters tell the story of the Holy Night, they allow us to experience the unique and extraordinary event of Jesus' birth. Each of them speaks to our lives and conveys particular virtues that help us understand the true meaning of Jesus' birth.
All that remains is for us to set out toward Bethlehem, even if the road is uphill, to encounter the love of God who became a Child. Let us contemplate Him with humility and love, allowing our hearts to be pierced by wonder: God is with us.
Which character do you identify with, and which virtue would you like to make your own?
Write it in the comments, and have a blessed journey toward Jesus who is coming!
