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The Birth of Christ and The Nativity Story.
There are many different accounts of the Nativity scene and this is a brief overview of Christ’s birth. Here is a chronicle of his early life. Jesus walked the earth for thirty-three years. May his life prove to be inspirational to you. About two thousand years ago, there lived a young woman named Mary. Mary was set to marry a carpenter named Joseph. An archangel named Gabriel was sent from God to Nazareth to tell of good fortune. Gabriel told the virgin Mary she was to be overcome by the Holy Ghost and would give birth to the Son of God. His name would be Jesus. Mary and Joseph had to leave and go to Bethlehem for the Census of Quirinius*, ordered by Caesar Augustus. Select this link to view our Christmas Nativity Scene.
Mary was due to have her baby when they had to go on the long journey to Bethlehem, to pay a special tax. Select this phrase to view our Nativity Creches for Nativity Sets. Once there, Mary and Joseph could not find an inn, for all of them were full. They finally found shelter in a manger filled with oxen, sheep, and donkeys. Mary knew it was time to give birth. Mary gave birth to Jesus and wrapped him in cloth and laid him in a feeding trough filled with hay. Select this link to view our Nativity Figurines.
Shepherds
An angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds in the region and told of the birth of Christ. A bright light (Star of Bethlehem) shown down on them, making them fearful. The angel told them to not be afraid, for there is joyous news. A baby has been born and he is the Son of God. The angel said they would find the baby in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. Quickly they went to find this baby. They soon spread the story of the newborn King*. Select this link to view our Nativity Accessories.
The Three Wise Men
By light of that same star, three kings from the East arrived to the nativity set to worship Jesus. They were said to have brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for their Messiah. Because there were three gifts brought, there is thought to be three kings as well.
When the magis had arrived in Jerusalem, they had asked Herod the Great about the “newborn King of the Jews”. Herod became fearful that this newborn King would become a threat to his throne and therefore initiated the Massacre of the Innocents. He hoped to kill the child, securing his throne. One night Joseph had a dream. The angel of the Lord appeared and told Joseph to flee to Egypt with Mary and Baby Jesus until he was told it was safe to return. He was told that Herod wanted to destroy the child. Joseph gathered his family and took them into Egypt. Jesus and family stayed in Egypt until the death of Herod. To view our home page click on the following phrase Christmas Decorations Ideas. Select this link to view our Nativity Ornaments.
*Information taken from the revised standard version of The Bible, Luke 1and 2.
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