3 Essential Insights About the Nativity Scene

Every year, millions of Catholic families around the world carefully set up the Christmas Nativity scene—a visual and spiritual reminder of the birth of Jesus. More than a decoration, the Nativity invites us to contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation, to relive that holy night in Bethlehem, and to prepare our hearts to welcome the Savior.

In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the Nativity scene, the meaning behind its traditional figures, beloved family and parish customs and how this tradition can help us enter more deeply into the spirit of Christmas.

1. Saint Francis Created the First Nativity Scene

The tradition of the Christmas Nativity scene dates back to the 13th century. Saint Francis of Assisi—eager to help people experience the mystery of Christmas more vividly—recreated the birth of Jesus in Greccio, Italy, using real people and real animals.

Inspired by his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Francis arranged a humble setting with a live ox, straw, and an image of the Christ Child so that the faithful could, in his words, “see with their bodily eyes what they could not yet grasp with the eyes of the mind.” This humble reenactment became the first “living Nativity” in history, and its spiritual impact was enormous.

Pope Honorius III granted a plenary indulgence to those who participated in this Nativity Scene and officially approved its dissemination. With this papal endorsement, the practice was firmly established—and from that moment on, the Nativity scene began to flourish throughout Europe and eventually around the world.

2. Every Figure in the Nativity Scene Has a Meaning

When we set up the Nativity scene, every figure is there for a reason. Here are the essential elements and what they represent:

The Infant Jesus

He is placed at the very center of the Nativity, and every other figure turns toward Him. The Child Jesus reminds us that God became poor so that we might become rich (2 Cor 8:9). Traditionally, His figure is placed in the manger on the night of December 24, after Midnight Mass, when we celebrate that the Word has become flesh (Jn 1:14). He is also the Light who enters a world in darkness.

The Blessed Virgin Mary

Mary embodies obedience (“Let it be done to me,” Lk 1:38). She is the Mother of God and a model of faith, humility, and total openness to God’s will.

Saint Joseph

Joseph stands as the silent guardian of the mystery, the protector chosen by God to watch over Mary and the Child.

The Angel

The angel announces the Good News of the Savior’s birth—echoing the message proclaimed to the shepherds on that holy night.

The Shepherds

They represent the poor and humble of heart who are able to recognize the Messiah. They were the first to receive the announcement of Christ’s birth. Because of this, they symbolize those who remain awake, receptive, and attentive to God’s voice.

The Magi

In many countries, they are added to the Nativity scene on January 6 for the Feast of the Epiphany. The Magi symbolize the homage of all nations and the universal search for truth.

The Ox and the Donkey

Although they don’t appear in the Gospels, these traditional figures symbolize the humble setting of the birth of Jesus and the welcome offered by creation itself. They evoke Isaiah 1:3: “The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger.” They represent creation—often called “irrational creation”—that recognizes and honors the Lord even before Israel does, foreshadowing the universal redemption Christ brings.

The Star

More than a decorative touch, the star symbolizes faith and hope—guiding our lives toward the ultimate encounter with Jesus in Heaven. In the Nativity scene, the star reminds us that Christmas is a foretaste of that eternal joy.

3. The Nativity Scene Is Set Up and Celebrated in Homes and Churches

In many Catholic countries, setting up the Nativity scene is a cherished family tradition. Families gather to pray, sing, and reflect around it. Some pray the Novena to the Child Jesus, others pray the Rosary, and many light their Advent wreath in front of the Nativity. It’s also common to bless the figure of the Christ Child before placing Him in the manger. Most homes set up the Nativity near—or even under—the Christmas tree.

In Spain and throughout Latin America, living Nativity scenes are also very popular. These theatrical reenactments, often put on by families, schools, or parishes, portray key moments from the Annunciation to the birth of Jesus and are usually presented in the days leading up to Christmas.

When Should You Set Up and Take Down the Nativity Scene?

There’s often some confusion about the dates. Here’s a simple guide based on Catholic tradition to help you plan when to set up and take down your Nativity scene:

December 8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

This is the traditional day to begin. Symbolically, we “prepare the place” just as God prepared Mary’s womb. In some countries, families start earlier, on the First Sunday of Advent.

December 24 – Christmas Eve

This is when the figure of the Christ Child is placed in the manger. Before midnight, the crib should remain empty, waiting for His arrival.

January 6 – Epiphany

The Magi are added on this day. During Advent, many families place them far from the Nativity scene and gradually move them closer each day.

When is it taken down?

Traditionally, the Nativity is put away on February 2, the Feast of the Presentation (or Candlemas). However, many choose to take it down after the Baptism of the Lord, the Sunday following Epiphany, which marks the end of the liturgical Christmas season.

A Practical Step-by-Step Guide for Setting Up the Nativity Scene

You don’t need a large space to create a beautiful Nativity. Follow this simple order:

1. The Setting

Start with the landscape—moss, paper mountains, small houses, straw. Remember that Jesus was born in a stable where animals slept and were fed, often inside natural caves.

2. Animals and Shepherds

Place them throughout the scene, all facing toward the center.

3. Mary and Joseph

Position them on either side of the empty manger.

4. The Manger (Cradle)

Leave it empty until Christmas Eve. That “emptiness” becomes a visual reminder during Advent of our longing for Christ.

Tip for families:
If you have children, invite them to place a piece of straw or cotton in the manger each time they do a good deed. By Christmas, Jesus will rest on a soft bed made of acts of love.

Blessing of a Christmas Creche or a Manger Scene

The manger scene has a special place near the Christmas tree or in another place where family members can reflect and pray during the Christmas season. It is blessed each year on Christmas eve or Christmas day.

All make the Sign of the Cross. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit

The leader begins:

Our help is in the name of the Lord.

All respond:

Who made heaven and earth.

The leader may use these or similar words to introduce the blessing:

We are at the beginning of the days of Christmas. All through the season we will look on these images of sheep and cattle, of shepherds, of Mary and Joseph and Jesus.

Then the Scripture is read:
Listen to the words of the holy gospel according to Luke:  2:1-7

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judaea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

The reader concludes:

The gospel of the Lord.

All respond:  

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

The figures may be placed in the crèche. After a time of silence, all join in prayers of intercession and in the Lord’s Prayer. Then the leader invites:

Pray now for God’s blessing as we look on these figures.

After a short silence, the leader prays:

God of Mary and Joseph, of shepherds and animals,
bless us whenever we gaze on this manger scene.
Through all the days of Christmas
may these figures tell the story
of how humans, angels, and animals
found the Christ in this poor place.
Fill our house with hospitality, joy,
gentleness, and thanksgiving,
and guide our steps in the way of peace.

Grant this through Christ our Lord.  

All respond:

Amen.

The leader says: 

 Let us bless the Lord.

All respond:

Thanks be to God.

Then Christmas songs and carols are sung.

Tips for Making the Nativity Scene a Spiritual Family Tradition

Here are some ways to help children grow in faith through the Nativity scene:

• Set up the Nativity together. Let the children place the figures and help build the setting. Begin with a short prayer.

• Explain the meaning of each figure. Use it as a moment of simple and beautiful catechesis.

• Leave the manger empty until December 24. This teaches children the spirit of waiting and expectation.

• Add one new figure each Sunday of Advent. An angel, a shepherd, or even the Magi slowly approaching. The scene “grows” as Christmas approaches.

• Write small prayer intentions and place them under the Nativity. They may be anonymous or shared—turn the Nativity into a little domestic altar.

• Talk about virtues. Use the figures to reflect on obedience (Mary), silence and responsibility (Joseph), humility (the shepherds), generosity (the Magi).

• Make a daily family “visit” to the Nativity. Pray a morning or evening prayer, or even the Rosary, in front of it.

• Place the Nativity in a central spot in the home. Let Christmas revolve around the birth of Jesus—not the tree or the gifts.

• On Christmas Eve or Christmas morning, choose a child to carry the Christ Child to the manger. During the Christmas season, let the little ones gently hold or rock the figure of Jesus.

• Put the Nativity away together and end with a family prayer of thanksgiving for the Christmas season.

The Christmas Nativity scene is much more than a decorative symbol: it is a living reminder of the history of salvation, a sign of eternal life, and a path that prepares our hearts for the final encounter with Jesus when He comes to meet us.

The Nativity scene is the window through which we contemplate the greatest love story ever told. But remember: Jesus wants to be born in your soul, and the most perfect way for this to happen is through the Eucharist.

For this reason, to live Christmas to the fullest, nothing can replace a real encounter with Him in the Holy Mass.

Want to live the final days of Advent more deeply? Here are some articles that may help:

• Our Lady of the Expectation: 5 Prayers:  Contemplate Our Blessed Mother in the final days of her pregnancy as she prepares to give birth to the Savior.
• The Meaning of the Christmas Tree: Discover the Christian symbolism behind this beloved tradition.
• 5 Beautiful Prayers to the Divine Infant Jesus: Meditate on the mystery of the Lord’s childhood and ask for His graces.
• How to Pray the Christmas Novena?: Prepare your heart during the nine days leading up to Christmas Eve (December 16–24). Jesus is very close to being born!
• Is Saint Nicholas Santa Claus?: Learn the story of the saint who inspired Santa Claus and the tradition of giving gifts at Christmas.