Christmas in Australia wouldn’t feel right if your festive décor didn’t include a nativity scene. Those who understand and appreciate the true meaning of Christmas don’t feel right celebrating the holiday without one. Adults enjoy the story behind nativity scenes and kids love hearing the story of Jesus.
No matter if you want a large outdoor nativity set or a minimalistic one, you can find the perfect fit for you as there are many options to choose from. Now is the right time to create your own Christmas nativity scene in your home and feel the joy and excitement of Christmas with your loved ones by your side.
History of nativity scenes
The first description of the birth of Jesus was given in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Luke. In the Gospel of Luke, we learn about the shepherds who arrived at Bethlehem and found the Holy Family. The Gospel of Matthew, on the other hand, tells the story of the three wise men who brought gifts, myrrh, and frankincense.
However, the nativity scenes as we know them today originated in the 13th century and the concept was conceived by St. Francis of Assisi. In 1223, he asked for permission from the Pope to celebrate the birth of Christ by doing something “for the kindling of devotion”.
For his preparations, he “made ready a manger, and bade hay, together with an ox and an ass” in Greccio, a small town in Italy. Francis also decided to include a carved doll that, according to witnesses, cried tears of joy and awoke when blessed Father Francis took him in his arms.
The hay that child was put to lay in also protected people from disease and healed sick animals. In 1291, the first permanent nativity scene was erected in the largest Roman church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Santa Maria Maggiore.
We can also see images of the nativity scene in Renaissance art, and Italian painter Giotto di Bondone was the first to depict it in the Arena Chapel of Padua, Italy. This started a tradition of painting the nativity scene with the Holy Family, three wise men, and several animals.
For centuries, the nativity scene was depicted in many ways and formats, and it took a lot of time until it became what we know it as today. It has a rich and beautiful history and people all over the world love to use it as part of their Christmas decorations, feeling the true meaning of this joyous holiday.
Tips for buying and setting up a nativity scene
The best nativity scenes are the ones you choose for yourself and here are some tips on how you can buy and set up one:
- Choose your style and material. You can find Holy Family nativity scenes in many different styles and materials. Some styles include oriental and rural while materials include wood, porcelain, and hard plastic.
- Know what size you want. Figures can come in all different sizes, the smallest ones are for home décor while the largest ones are for lawn décor. Just make sure that all of your figurines are the same or similar size. It’s also important to choose the right size for all the decorations such as blankets and candles.
- Find the right place for the scene in your home. When you’re choosing the sizes of the figurines, make sure you already have a dedicated place for the nativity scene in your home and make sure it fits well and looks nice.
- Know the order of the figures. It’s important you follow the Gospel of Luke when setting up your nativity scene. For a realistic Christmas nativity scene, place baby Jesus in the centre and have Mary and Joseph stand around him.
12 best nativity scenes for Christmas 2022
Here are some of the best nativity scenes to consider for this Christmas season.
1. Holy Family Nativity Scene - 200 x 110 x 100m
Those who are looking for Holy Family nativity scenes will fall in love with this scene of Mary and Joseph standing over baby Jesus, looking lovingly at him. It shows the true loving meaning of Christmas and the importance of Family.
The price for this nativity scene is $35.95.
2. Christmas Nativity Scene -Wise Men - 330 x 190 x 190mm
If you want a heart-warming nativity scene that includes those who were present at the Nativity of Christ, this is the ideal choice for you. Aside from Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, there are also the Wise Men.
The price for this nativity scene is $117.95.
3. Nativity Scene - Laying Mary - 100 x 110 x 65mm
This slightly different nativity scene shows Joseph holding baby Jesus in one hand and a lantern in the other. Mary is lying on a bale of hay and sleeping while Joseph is sitting down and looking at her.
The price for this nativity scene is $19.95.
4. Peace Nativity - 185 x 90 x 40mm
This wooden nativity scene shows baby Jesus in between Joseph who is standing over him and Mary who is kneeling and praying. They are all in front of the word “Peace” carved out of wood with a gold star perched on top of the letter A. On each side of the family, there is a sheep and a donkey.
The price for this nativity scene is $25.95.
5. Holy Family - Mini Star Nativity - 58 x 68mm
This nativity scene is almost completely white with a few golden details and it’s the perfect simple description of the holy event. It shows Mary and Joseph standing in front of baby Jesus. Behind the Holy Family, there is a white star.
The price for this nativity scene is $5.95.
6. Holy Family Nativity - 610 x 350 x 300mm
This beautiful nativity scene is vibrant in colour and filled with small details that truly accent the beauty of this piece. Mary and Joseph are standing above baby Jesus who is in his manger filled with hay and they’re looking at him with admiration.
The price for this nativity scene is $300.00.
7. Traditional Nativity Scene - 160 x 165 x 50mm
Baby Jesus is the centrepiece of this beautiful and colourful nativity scene which is set in the barn Jesus was born in. He is lying in his hay-filled manger and surrounded by his parents and the three wise men, all of whom are looking at him with love and admiration in their eyes.
The price for this nativity scene is $29.95.
8. Holy Family Cross - For Unto Us A Child Is Born - 170 x 100 x 40mm
Those who love Holy Family nativity scenes that are simple and have biblical references will adore this white cross nativity scene. In the cross, the quote “For unto us a child is born” is written and in the very centre of the cross, there is a simple representation of the Holy Family, all dressed in white.
The price for this nativity scene is $25.95.
9. Nativity Waterball
If you want to show off your Christmas spirit in a unique way with a keepsake you’ll treasure forever, this nativity scene shows the Holy Family in a waterball with a palm tree above them.
The price for this nativity scene is $30.95.
10. Nativity Scene Holy Family with LED Light
Holy Family nativity scenes need to show the love and faith Mary and Joseph have in their newborn, and that is exactly what this all-white scene represents. The parents are shown holding the infant and the Hebrews 11:1 quote about faith is written on the nativity scene.
The price for this nativity scene is $19.95.
11. LED Nativity – Angel
This white nativity scene puts the angel in the centre and it is standing above a roof under which the Holy Family is shown. The scene is painted in white and it has LED lights that bring this Christmas decoration to life.
The price for this nativity scene is $19.95.
12. Modular 3D Pop Out Nativity for Advent
If you have little ones, this pop-up advent calendar will help you teach them about the first story of Christmas with the help of adorable visuals. There are pieces your children can collect every Sunday leading to Christmas night and then arrange into the perfect nativity scene.
The price for this nativity scene is $9.25.
Summary
With Christmas just around the corner, families from all over Australia are already decorating their Christmas trees and talking to their children about the true meaning of this holiday. Real believers know Christmas isn’t about gifts but about being with your family and celebrating the birth of the saviour.
So this Christmas season, treat yourself with the perfect Nativity scene that will show the love and admiration you have for the Holy Family and may you have a peaceful and silent night. No matter what your preference is, we hope you found the perfect nativity scene on our list.
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