The Symbolism of Jesus' Birth in a Stable and the Magi's Arrival
Why was Jesus
Born in a Stable?
What does the Bible say?
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to
Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of
David.
5
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to
him and was expecting a child.
6
While they were there, the time came for the
baby to be born,
7
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in
cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available
for them.
8
And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over
their flocks at night.
9
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the
Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
10
But the angel said to them,
‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the
people.
11
Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the
Messiah, the Lord.
12
This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in
cloths and lying in a manger.’
What parts of the story you just heard
can you see in this picture?
St Francis
In 1323, St Francis decided
to create the Nativity
scene that we know
today.
He felt that people had
forgotten the meaning of
Christmas and wanted a
visual reminder for people
of the importance of Jesus
birth.
The symbolism
The stable reminds us
that Jesus came into
the world with
nothing.
The shepherds
represent us – the
people that Jesus
came to serve.
Sheep play an important role in the
stories in the Bible. Jesus is referred to as
the lamb of God. Jesus tells parables
about caring for his flock of sheep (us).
Mary had ridden to
Bethlehem on a
donkey. On Palm
Sunday, Jesus rides
into Jerusalem on a
donkey.
The ox and the
donkey represent
humility and
patience.
Who is missing from the scene?
The Wise Men or the Magi.
The Magi’s arrival is celebrated on Epiphany
(6
th
January).
There is symbolism here too.
They had travelled from afar – this is a reminder
that God’s word would spread around the
world.
They brought gifts
Gold = a symbol of kingship on Earth
Frankincencse = a symbol of deity (God)
Myrrh = an embalming oil used to symbolise
Jesus’ death
Explore the significance of Jesus' birth in a stable, as depicted in the Bible, and the symbolism behind elements such as the animals, shepherds, and the lack of elaborate surroundings. Discover St. Francis's role in popularizing the Nativity scene and the representation of the Wise Men or Magi. Uncover the deeper meanings associated with the humble beginnings of Jesus and the profound messages conveyed through these symbolic elements.
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Presentation Transcript
Why was Jesus Born in a Stable?
What does the Bible say? So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
What parts of the story you just heard can you see in this picture?
St Francis In 1323, St Francis decided to create the Nativity scene that we know today. He felt that people had forgotten the meaning of Christmas and wanted a visual reminder for people of the importance of Jesus birth.
The symbolism The stable reminds us that Jesus came into the world with nothing. The ox and the donkey represent humility and patience. Mary had ridden to Bethlehem on a donkey. On Palm Sunday, Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. The shepherds represent us the people that Jesus came to serve. Sheep play an important role in the stories in the Bible. Jesus is referred to as the lamb of God. Jesus tells parables about caring for his flock of sheep (us).
The Wise Men or the Magi. The Magi s arrival is celebrated on Epiphany (6th January). There is symbolism here too. They had travelled from afar this is a reminder that God s word would spread around the world. They brought gifts Gold = a symbol of kingship on Earth Frankincencse = a symbol of deity (God) Myrrh = an embalming oil used to symbolise Jesus death
