PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Nativity Scenes come from the accounts in the Bible of the birth of Christ. Animals are included because the place where Mary gave birth to Jesus was a shelter for animals. Seeing the different figures reminds us that there were household animals and ordinary people like us present where Jesus was born.
Nativity Scenes come from the accounts in the Bible of the birth of Christ. Animals are included because the place where Mary gave birth to Jesus was a shelter for animals.mSeeing the different creche figures reminds us that there were household animals and ordinary people like us present where Jesus was born.
Red traditionally represents the sacrifice of blood that Jesus shed while hanging on the cross. Green represents the evergreen, eternal life. Holly is included with the evergreens, and even had special significance because of the red berries it has. At one time holly was considered a holy plant.
Stars are one of the most well known symbols of Christmas. Stars at Christmas time represent the biblical Star of Bethlehem which was a beacon of reckoning for the wise men to follow, in order to come worship the child Jesus, the little King of the Jews.
Christmas tree: the evergreen is an ancient symbol of eternal life, which we have through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Gifts: Giving one another presents is a ritual straight from the Bible. Salvation is called in the New Testament 'A free gift'. Jesus is God's gift to human beings. We give each other gifts because God gave us so much, in the form of His creation, His Son, and Himself. When we see Christmas presents they remind us of the most precious gift God gave us the way to Heaven through Jesus.
Bells: the church would ring its bells to call people to church services, toll someone's death, etc. The bells are rung to announce the anniversary of Christ's birth. When we see Christmas bells, we are reminded of the joyful announcement of Jesus' birth.
Lights signify hope, happiness and safety. They represent the fact that Jesus is the Light of the World in the midst of profound darkness. When we see Christmas lights on buildings and Christmas trees, and lit candles, we're reminded of Jesus, the Light of the World.
