“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon
his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God,
The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
The rafters hummed from the angelic voices of our lower school students during their performance of The Nativity. In preparation for their tribute and production of this event, Belmont students participated in several practice sessions in their choir classes, learning both various hymns and acting parts.
As the first hymn was sung, one could not help but reflect on that silent night in a humble manger so very long ago, setting the stage for the mortal birth of the Son of God, even Jesus Christ. That day had been foreseen many years hence by prophets as foretold in holy scripture. The Apostle Paul declared, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:15). What would it have been like to have been a shepherd or a wise man seeking the Christ child? How may we be seeking him today?
The word nativity comes from the Latin term nativus, which means “born.” The Nativity means birth, the birth of a person. Nativity includes facts associated with someone's birth, such as the time, place, and situation related to that birth. The term "nativity scene" is commonly used by Christians for their depictions of the birth (or nativity) of Jesus Christ in paintings, sculptures, statues and models, plays, productions, and movies.
The first nativity scene, or creche, was created in Italy by Francis of Assisi in 1223. Here he gathered local people to portray certain biblical characters in his depiction surrounding the birth of the Christ child. He used a wax figure to represent the infant Jesus. This portrayal became very popular among those of Christian belief, to where both live and sculpted nativity scenes were seen all over Europe. The popularity of the Nativity grew to where it was depicted in other countries throughout the world.
Nativity scenes became quite popular among various painters including Michelangelo, Raphael, and Rembrandt. The depiction of the Nativity event focused on the birth of Jesus Christ and is often depicted on stained glass windows in churches and cathedrals throughout the world.
The next opportunity you have to view The Nativity, take a few minutes to reflect and ponder upon the birth of Jesus Christ in that humble stable so very long ago - the beginning of His mortal life here on this earth. Ask yourself, “What does His life mean to me personally?”
By Mrs. Rachael Wood
Teacher of Kindergarten / 1st Grade Math, Science, History, and Geography
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