Monday, December 23, 2013

Christmas Traditions at Our Home

Nativity Scene:

  The Nativity Scene or Manger Scene is the traditional Christian representation of the birth of Jesus Christ. This scene is usually a set of models, statuary, or other art objects representing the infant Jesus, Joseph, Mary, and others as described in the Gospels of Mathew and Luke. In my picture of our family Nativity Scene you can see a shepherd with his sheep as well as other stable animals and the Angel and the three Wise Men. In some cases the Nativity Scene is depicted with live individuals and animals. The first live Nativity Scene was credited to Saint Francis of Assisi in 1223. He wanted to encourage the worship of Christ with a "living" Nativity Scene.

  Christmas is the annual commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ and is derived from the term "Christ's Mass" from the Middle English form of "Cristemasse" and the Old English "Crīstesmæsse".

  Our family Nativity Scene is prominently displayed in our entry hallway upon entering our home. This Nativity Scene was originally purchased by Pam's parents at Sears when she was in elementary school, probably prior to 1964. It became part of our family tradition after our marriage in 1975 and she brought it into our home. She regularly sets this Nativity Scene up as part of our Christmas tradition. My contribution to this tradition has been the repair to the damaged camel figurine and the replacement of the disintegrating cardboard stable. I replaced the cardboard a number of years ago with a wooden craft style fence and roof for the stable scene on a wooden base.

I hope you will enjoy this part of our Christmas celebration.


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