I never tire of the Christmas story.  I try to imagine what it must have been like on that night.  How amazing it must have been.

Within this post I will share some of my friend Ann’s nativity sets.  Many of my friends collect nativities, and they have simple sets handmade by children, plastic sets which are very collectable, sets that represent different cultures, and sets that are more ornate and elaborate.

Luke 2: 1-20

The Birth of Jesus – 1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  3 and everyone went to their own town to register.

(This was made by a grandson in his Sunday School class.)

4  So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  5 He went there to register with Mary, who was expecting a child.  6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

(Her grandsons made this out of yarn, and it is a cherished possession.)

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  10 but the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  12. This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

 

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another. “let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  17 when they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Joy to the world! The Lord is come
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room

And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven, and heaven and nature sing

He was born and is born again in the lives of all who believe.  Hallelujah!

Blessings to you and yours,

Thank you for reading Lanabird.