How to Set Up an Outdoor Nativity Scene

Christmas Nativity scenes are a respectful recreation of the miracle of the night that Jesus was born. Nativity scenes can be displayed either outdoors or indoors, but larger, or life size scenes, are normally found outdoors. The Nativity recreates the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, with Mary and Joseph in attendance.

The nativity normally contains seven figures, including Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds and Wise Men. The scene can be extended to include angels and animals for a larger group. The scene can also include just the central figures of Baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph. You can start with the central figures and add to the scene in future years for an extended group of figures.

Since the figures will be set up outdoors they need to be built to withstand outdoor weather, including snow and rain. Figures for the nativity can be found at Christmas stores, home or hardware stores and can be purchased online. Bronner Christmas Store in Frankenmuth, Michigan carries Nativity figures.

The Nativity is often called the creche, describing the birthplace of the Christ. Creche was derived from the German word crib or Krippe. According to the Bible, Christ was born in a manger.

Jesus was born in a stable, so straw placed on the ground adds realism to the scene. Spread the straw out on the ground and arrange the figures on top of the straw.

Christ, a baby wrapped in saddling clothes, is the central figure of the Nativity scene. The Christ figure normally lies in the manger in the center of the scene. Mary and Joseph are usually placed on either side of Christ, looking down at the newborn infant.

The central figures can be covered with with a roof. A rough shelter can be built with plywood simulating a small barn that protects the figures. The three shepherds are placed to the side, looking into the nativity. Three ornately dressed Wise Men are usually placed on the opposite side, bearing gifts, The real Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem several days after the birth of Christ, called the Epiphany, but they are oten portrayed as arriving that same night, guided by the Star o Bethlehem. The Nativity can include the donkey that Mary rode into Bethlehem, sheep and cows. Expanded scenes may include more animals and angels. A star can be placed on the roof the shelter.

Illuminate the Nativity with floodlights shining into the Nativity, so the Jesus, Mary and Joseph are the focus of the scene.

The Nativity scene helps to illustrate the story of the night that Jesus came to earth to create a path for mankind to have eternal life. The scene is a celebration of the true meaning of Christmas.

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