subject: How Home Nativity Sets Came To Be [print this page] For many religions, Christmas is a highlight of the year, and this is especially true for Christians. The celebrating of Christmas originated with the celebrating of the birth of Jesus Christ, also called the nativity. The nativity has been reenacted by many generations since, to remember and honor God's love for mankind.
The event that surrounds Jesus' birth was first described in the bible. The baby Jesus that was born in a manger was visited by some shepherds and three wise men. These three men had a guiding star that was shining directly on the site. This is a remarkable story that has inspired the subsequent pictures of the nativity, retaining the essential information but with slight variations.
The first nativity scene was believed to have been created by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1223. It was a pantomime, using live actors, and its purpose was to inspire worship in Christ. Soon after, many communities had staged their own pantomimes, and this later evolved to become nativity sets, composed of static models that use materials such as wax or ivory, dressed in rich clothes, and often set against beautiful landscapes.
In the modern society, pantomimes still exist, but it is more common to see the static nativity sets, especially inside homes. These sets are usually composed of figurines, with the most basic ones including only Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus as he lies in the manger. More standard sets include a stable or a cave, as well as figurines of the shepherds, the wise men, or even the angels and animals.
There are many nativity sets that are without biblical support. They have characters that were not actually present in the scene such as Adam and Eve and the apostles. The sets may not be authentic but they are a great reminder of the significance of the event in Christianity.
As Christmas day draws near, many shops begin to sell nativity sets, such as Jim Shore. These stores often carry a large and beautiful stock of figurines and ornaments, complete with everything one needs to set up the perfect nativity scene at home. Make your visit to these stores today.
