Nativity scenes have Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men and even the animals focused on Jesus. Give Jesus His rightful place.

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We don’t always appreciate our gifts for what they were intended. The gift of Jesus is depicted in a nativity scene placed in our homes at Christmas time. Sometimes we do not give attention to each of the characters of the nativity scene that collectively represent the gracious gift of Jesus to the world.

The Shepherds

The shepherds are placed in our nativity scenes because they were the ones that first received the announcement and invitation to see the birth of Jesus Who was given to the world to save all who would believe. They represent our work life that can often take precedence over giving God the praise for His gifts.

Proverbs 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.

Mary and Joseph

Mary and Joseph are most often also in the center of the nativity scene. Family is vitally important to us. However, families can be destroyed by letting the wrong things be the center of our lives. God first, family second is the correct order of our affection.

Joshua 24:15
But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

The Barn Animals

The animals are part of the scene because Jesus was born in a place where the animals were kept and was placed in a feeding trough for the barn animals. Animals bring great comfort to us. God and spreading His joy must be the main object of our concerns.

Revelation 4:11
“You are worthy, our Lord and God,
    to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
    and by your will they were created
    and have their being.”

The Wise Men

The wise men were educated men. They recognized the star as a sign of a significant event. They were wealthy men and were able to bring expensive gifts to the baby. If we aren’t careful, the pursuit of riches will replace the gratitude owed to God.

1 Timothy 6:17
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Nativity scenes have Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men and even the animals focused on Jesus. Our world today has turned its focus off of the gift of Jesus and onto many other things. God must be the center of our lives. Give Jesus His rightful place.

Invite Jesus back into the rightful place in your life.

Involve Him in every area of your life.