The Nativity Scene is about 4 inches tall and 3¾ wide. The Bethlehem Star is shining from the peak of the Manger that is housing the Special little Family. The Manger has palm trees growing up each side and a straw roof and floor. Mary is kneeling and Joseph is standing as they look very tenderly at the Baby. A small lamb and a Donkey are enjoying the scene as well. Select this link to view our Nativity Ornaments.
The Christmas Crib
In the year 1220 St, Francis of Assissi visited Bethlehem. He was so impressed with the way Christmas was celebrated there, that he asked the Pope for permission to recreate it in his own village in Italy. Select this link to view our Nativity Christmas Ornaments.
He built a manger in a cave and placed a stone image of the baby Jesus in it. He surrounded the manger with real animals and said a Mass. The people who came felt as though they had been at the actual birth of the Baby Jesus. Select this link to view our Nativity Scene Sets.
Before long, wooden nativity scenes were displayed in churches and homes across Europe. Today they continue to be popular as a way of reminding us that Christmas is really about the birth of Christ. Select this link to view our Krebs Glas Wise Men.
The tradition was brought into Spain from Naples. In Catalonia, a figure is included that represents a Catalan peasant. In Provence, in the South of France, nativity scenes use small clay figurines called Santon, which represent the traditional trades and professions of old Provence. The Santons are then collected as art or craft objects. Select this link to view our Nativity Figurines.
A nativity scene, also called a crib or crèche, generally depicts the birthplace of Jesus. Nativity scenes usually show Jesus in a small crib or manger, with Joseph, and Mary in a barn intended for the housing of animals. A mule, ox, sheep, and sometimes other barnyard animals, surround them. Often added are the three wise men, shepherds, angels and the Star of Bethlehem. Select this link to view our Nativity Scene with Angel.