How To Arrange A Nativity Scene?
In the Nativity scene, each individual figure represents a meaning or symbolism…but first and foremost, we should remember that arranging the nativity scene needs to be done with some respect. After all, a Nativity scene is a representation of Jesus and the day he was born.
This is just a suggestion on how you can arrange your Nativity scene…
Step 1
Choose a location to set up the nativity scene where it will be visible and well lit, whether as a table centrepiece or under a Christmas tree. The first step is to position the front of the stable, this is where the story takes place, so focus needs to be emphasized on this.
Step 2
Center the manger, or the trough where the Christ child is to rest, in the stable. While it is not uncommon to place Jesus in the manger right away, some traditions do state that Jesus should not be placed until late on Christmas Eve, because he wasn’t born until then. However, there is no right or wrong time to place baby Jesus in the manger.
Step 3
Next, place Mary directly next to the manger. Since Mary is the mother of Christ, she becomes second most important. Most figurines of Mary are designed so that she can look down upon the manger and her child. Place her as such.
Step 4
Joseph can also be placed near the manger. If he is designed to also look down upon the manger, place him as such as well. Place him close but not as close as Mary, usually Mary is the closest.
You have just completed positioning the focal point of your nativity scene.
Step 5
Next, comes the ox and the donkey (ass), who have their basis in this prophecy of Isaiah: "The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people does not understand" (Isaiah 1:3).This is a lament from God that these animals know their place and accept it, yet God's own people do not.
Legend also tells us they kept the baby Jesus warm with their breath, supporting the new life he represents.But both these noble animals are connected to the Christ through other symbols and legends as well.
The donkey, prized for its strength, endurance and sure-footedness, bore the pregnant Mary across the rocky terrain from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, to Bethlehem in Judea. And 33 years later, by riding a donkey into Jerusalem, Christ would show he came in peace and not prepared for war, as would have been symbolized by riding a horse.
Most believe the ox represents patience and strength and the people of Israel. It was one of the most important animals in the development of civilizations, providing great strength for agriculture and clearing forests, as well as moving people and supplies.
Step 6
Place the sheep with shepherds (shepherds need to be placed closer), the camels with the wise men and any other animals flanking the stable.
The sheep in the nativity scene symbolize purity and Jesus' earthly mission as the ultimate sacrificial offering, the "Lamb of God".The shepherds represent the common man.
Step 7
As the wise men were thought to be the last to arrive, put them the furthest away in the nativity scene. (If there is space in the stable, move the wise men into the stable on Epiphany, on January 6th. This is celebrated as the day the wise men reached the Christ child.)
The Three Wise Menbrought special gifts which had special significance. Gold represents Baby Jesus’ kingship, incense symbolizes His divinity, and myrrh foreshadows His death.
Step 8
Any other nativity items you may have in your collection can be placed around what you have already set up, but again, not blocking the view of the manger, Mary or Joseph because they are not vital to the nativity scene.
Step 9
Finish arranging the nativity scene by putting the angels on the roof of the stable. If there is no place for them on the roof, place them around the family inside the stable, where they can bring glad tidings and great joy to both your family and the viewers of your scene.
The most important thing about the nativity scene is its message. Our Heavenly Father sent His own son to earth to be sacrificed for our sins. Those who believe in Him may receive forgiveness and eternity in heaven.
In conclusion, may the setup of a more beautiful and devotional nativity scene be for your family or for your parish a source of many graces and each year a renewed highlight of the Advent and Christmas seasons.
