Traditions Of The Outdoor Nativity Set

An outdoor nativity set has become a time honored Christian tradition. There are many homes and churches that kept this as an integral part of the Christmas season. It represents the birth of our Savior with the Christ child placed in a manger in a stable with the mother Mary and Joseph looking over the baby. There are also the traditional farm animals, sheep, cow, donkey, also in the scene. This outdoor nativity set is a symbol of the true meaning of Christmas and why we are celebrating, the birth of Jesus Christ.

The very first nativity was created by St. Francis of Assisi. In 1562, the Jesuits of Prague added the first nativity scene with the modern crib style. In the sought of France, they have used clay figurines called Santons, which are used to represent the birth of the Savior, and may consist over a hundred figurines instead of the simple nativity. Your outdoor nativity set doesn't have to be this big to represent the true meaning of Christmas.

By using these many figurines, the tradition would begin with the empty manger until Christmas Eve when baby Jesus is added, then on Christmas Day the Shepherd is added, on Three Kings Day, the three wise men are added, therefore, telling the entire nativity story out of these representations. These outdoor nativity sets can be left out until February or as early as Jan 15, depending on the area. Then there are those who will take it down on the night after Christmas. The timing will be dependent on the church or family who have put it up, and how deep into the traditions they are.

There are many church groups, and yes, once upon a time, schools, would recreate the nativity in a play at Christmas time. It would begin with Mary and Joseph searching for room and being turned away. Mary and Joseph are given shelter in a very humble barn where Mary gives birth to the Savior Jesus Christ.

An outdoor nativity set will typically consist of a barn or shed large enough to hold Mary, Joseph and the manger, surrounded with the three wise men carrying gifts or the Magi, the shepherds with a couple of sheep, the native animals of the barn and angels. There are some simple sets that are just Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the crib, sheep, and ox.

There are a variety of materials that these outdoor nativity sets are made from. They range from large plastic figures lit from the inside and used as Christmas lawn ornaments, to the wooden characters lit from a small light in front. In the home they range from crystal figures, stone, glass, or porcelain. Children have made them with paper, felt or modeling clay. You may have seen an outdoor nativity set in a 3 dimensional representation or just as a picture hanging on the wall.

As this Christmas season comes upon us, take a look at how many outdoor nativity sets you can see. How many are representing the true meaning of Christmas? This is a great way for each of us to remind others of the important things in life and the true "reason for the season". Be a part of making this Christmas a representation of the true meaning, the birth of our Savior by using an outdoor nativity set in your yard.

Merry Christmas!