The nativity scene is one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas traditions. Every year, in homes, churches, and squares, the representation of the birth of Jesus is prepared with care and imagination. The nativity scene allows us to relive the mystery of the Incarnation, that is, the fact that the Son of God became human for our salvation. It also helps us discover the meaning of the various characters and elements that make up the scene. In this article, we invite you to learn more about the history and symbolism of the nativity scene.
The origin of the nativity scene
The nativity scene began with a living nativity scene organized by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1223. The saint, who had been to the Holy Land and preserved many memories of it, wanted to recreate in Greccio, in the Rieti area, the scene of Jesus's birth. He asked his friend Giovanni Velita, the lord of the area, to prepare a cave, a manger, an ox, and a donkey. On December 25, friars and local people flocked there, carrying flowers and torches, to celebrate the Eucharist and contemplate the baby Jesus. It was a night of joy and wonder that marked the beginning of a tradition that spread throughout the world. The nativity scene is, in fact, a simple and evocative way to tell the Gospel story and bring people closer to the faith.
What do the nativity figurines mean?
The nativity scene is also an art form. Nativity figurines are often true masterpieces of craftsmanship, made with different materials and great attention to detail. Each figurine has its own meaning, helping us better understand the message of Christmas. Let us look together at the meaning of some of the most common figurines:
The stable: represents the poverty and humility of Jesus, who chose to be born in a stable among the animals. The stable invites us to be poor in spirit, that is, not to be attached to material possessions, but to seek the values of the Kingdom of God.
Baby Jesus: he is the center of the nativity scene and Christmas. He is the Son of God, who became human for our salvation. Baby Jesus is placed in the manger, which recalls his role as the bread of life, given to us in the Eucharist. Baby Jesus is usually added to the nativity scene on Christmas night to emphasize the moment of his birth. It is beautiful for families to go to the nativity scene with the children at midnight to place Baby Jesus in the cradle.
Mary: she is the mother of Jesus, who conceived him through the work of the Holy Spirit. Mary is depicted in an attitude of adoration and protection toward her son. Mary symbolizes faith, hope, and love. Mary also represents waiting, because Christmas Eve makes us think of awaiting childbirth. Mary finds herself in an absurd situation: she knows that the Son of God, Emmanuel, is being born; she already knows his name and what his mission will be because she knows the Word and the Scriptures, and she lives through that waiting in those circumstances.
Joseph: he is Jesusβ adoptive father, who accepted him as his son by Godβs will. Joseph is depicted in an attitude of care and service toward his family. Joseph symbolizes justice, faithfulness, and responsibility. Joseph will have to teach Jesus in his humanity and pass on the faith and the mission, and certainly the Holy Spirit will guide Joseph.
The angel: he is Godβs messenger, who announced Jesusβ birth to the shepherds. The angel is depicted with wings and a trumpet, expressing his heavenly nature and his mission. The angel symbolizes the joy, praise, and glory of God. The angel invites us to sing with him: βGlory to God in the highest and peace on earth to the people he lovesβ (Lk 2:14).
The shepherds: they are the first to receive the news of Jesusβ birth and to go and visit him. The shepherds represent the poor, the humble, and the simple, who welcome Godβs gift with faith. The shepherds also symbolize vigilance, readiness, and joy. The shepherds invite us to stay awake, listen to Godβs voice, and share the good news with others.
Benino, the sleeping shepherd: Benino may be a diminutive of Benjamin. The βfavoriteβ of the tribe is the youngest son: for example, Josephβs brother, Jacobβs son, and the youngest is the one who requires the most patience. While the older shepherds keep watch, he is tired and falls asleep. So, while the angel appears to the shepherds, he sleeps. The message is this: what matters is being with the Lord, even if you are asleep.
The Magi: they are the wise men who come from the East, guided by a star, to pay homage to the King of the Jews. The Magi represent peoples, cultures, and religions seeking truth and light. They also symbolize wisdom, seeking, and adoration. The Magi invite us to follow the star of faith, seek Jesus with all our hearts, and offer him our gifts: the gold of our lives, the incense of our prayer, and the myrrh of our suffering.
The ox and the donkey: they are the animals that warm the baby Jesus with their breath. The ox and the donkey represent nature and creation, which share in the joy of Christmas. They also symbolize strength and gentleness, faithfulness and patience. The ox and the donkey invite us to respect creation, serve the Lord with love, and recognize Jesus as our Savior.
The Nativity scene is a sign of poverty and wonder that draws us into the mystery of Christmas. It is also an invitation to live like Jesus, Mary, and Joseph: in family, in faith, and in love. Finally, the Nativity scene is a school of life that teaches us the values of the Gospel and helps us discover the face of God. Do you make a Nativity scene? Do you have any childhood or recent memories you would like to share with us? Write them in the comments.
