What is your favorite Christmas tradition? In our family, we have special ornaments that decorate our tree and elves that tell Santa whether we are naughty or nice. But the most important symbol in our home is our nativity. It is displayed in our living room bookcase all year long, but during Christmas, it takes center stage on our mantle. Our nativity is the first Christmas “decoration” to be placed each year.
In Littleton, North Carolina, a special nativity also becomes a prominent display for all in the town to enjoy. The life size display at Littleton Baptist Church brings the story of Jesus from the Bible to all.
“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[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
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 pledged to be married to himand was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 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.
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.” (Luke 2: 1-20)
The nativity was made by Indie and Julian Parks. After being displayed in their yard on Center Street and a few other towns, it was donated to Littleton Baptist Church. The display includes a stable and manger with the Holy family, wise men, shephards, camels, sheep, livestock, an angel and a star that guides the way. It is worth the trip to see this beautiful panorama in person, but if you can’t make the trip, find a way to celebrate the birth of Jesus with your family and the world.
This post is dedicated to my Grandma Josie.
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