It is true that no date for the birth of Jesus is given in the New Testament. The celebration of his birth arose centuries after the actual birth. Many traditions have arisen as men seek to honor Christ. The Nativity Scene is one of those traditions.
Earlier this week my wife and I enjoyed a few days at the Gaylord Palms hotel in the Disney World area with our grandson. We took him to see the ICE creations and the Dream Works Experience.
In addition to the Dream Works characters (Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Alex, Julian, Po, et al.) carved in ICE, we were surprised to see a large nativity scene of ICE. I thought you might enjoy seeing a small portion of the scene. To see all of the characters, animals, etc., you must visit ICE.
Portion of the Nativity Scene at ICE, Gaylord Palms. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
Last month my wife and I took a cruise in celebration of our 57th wedding anniversary. The Nativity Scene was already displayed in the market square at Cozumel, Mexico.
Nativity Scene at Cozumel. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
Do you detect anything wrong in the traditional scene? Take a closer look.
Cozumel Nativity Scene without Jesus. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
Perhaps they got the account of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2: 1-20) confused with Jesus being left behind in the temple (Luke 2:41-52). Or, maybe it was just vandalism by a modern day Herod.
The specific date (month and day) for the birth of Jesus is not important. The Apostle Paul stated the importance of His birth in the Epistle to the Galatians.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)
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I was born in Madrid in a catholic family. There all my life the nativities were complete from the first day when you put them. Fifteen years I’ve lived in Texas, and I’ve seen those from not only catholic, but different denominations who put nativities in their homes, do this thing. If they have wise men figures, they also move them closer and closer, and they finally place Jesus, the three wise men, and even the shepherds in the manger the 25th.
Traditions of men are constantly changing.
Right now I’m in Malta, and what would have been profanity years ago, it’s trend. There are stores inside some cathedrals, and even a Christmas Tree. Now the old votive candles people put money to light when they did promises, are electric. You place the coin and they light up.
As some churches, cathedrals, etc. become less populated for catholic mass they become more touristic attractions thus the store and Christmas tree.
Other places are ‘religious clubs’ and they have statues, paintings, and elaborated architectural buildings that hold billiard tables, bars where the ‘religious fans’ smoke and drink, and flat screen tvs for sports or any program watching.
Man imagination to concoct traditions and rituals that mix religion and anything else in strange ways have no limit.
It’s very interesting and informative. Christmas is getting closer! ))
“Perhaps they got the account of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2: 1-20) confused with Jesus being left behind in the temple (Luke 2:41-52).”
Very funny!
Perhaps they got the account of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2: 1-20) confused with Jesus being left behind in the temple (Luke 2:41-52).
Very funny!
That is true, even the Catholic tradition , the Infant is not placed in the manger until after the children are sleeping on Christmas Eve.
You may be correct.I commented on the basis of my culture. Thanks for the suggestion.
Hi,
I believe it is because they don’t place Jesus until the 25th, when the tradition states He was born.
Warmly,
s