What is the Nativity?

Mary is the mother of Jesus. She is one of the most recognised figures in the Christian faith, traditionally dressed in blue.

The Bible tells us that Mary was a young woman chosen by God to give birth to Jesus, even though she was a virgin (Luke 1:26–38). She was visited by an angel who delivered this news and, up until this point, her life had been ordinary.

In Nativity sets and plays, she is often seen kneeling beside the manger, she represents faith, humility and family love. We know that she cared deeply for Jesus throughout his whole life, from his birth until his death as a young adult.

Mary’s obedience and trust in God remind us that faith often means saying ‘yes’ even when the future is uncertain. Her response to the angel’s announcement was simple yet profound: ‘I am the Lord’s servant.’ She became pregnant with Jesus, the Son of God, and witnessed the miracle of his birth – a gift of love for the whole world.

Joseph is the earthly father of Jesus. In a Nativity scene, he is nearly always standing behind Mary, making him appear as a protective father and husband. Other than being a carpenter, not much is written about Joseph in the Bible, but we can draw some conclusions about his character.

Joseph was a faithful follower of God; he was brave and committed to Mary; and he showed himself to be wise and discerning when, after Jesus’ birth, he took the family to Egypt to protect them from King Herod, who wanted Jesus dead as the king thought Jesus was a threat to his power (Matthew 2:13-15).

In Matthew’s Gospel it says that an angel appeared in a dream to Joseph before Jesus’ birth. The angel told him what would happen, and that the child should be named Jesus, which is exactly what Joseph named him (Matthew 1:21, 25).

Angels appear throughout the Bible as spiritual beings created by God as messengers, guardians and servants. They exist in a heavenly realm but meet and communicate with humans.

In the Christmas story, angels appear as messengers of good news. The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary to tell her that she will give birth to the Son of God. Then Joseph, earthly father of Jesus, encounters an angel in a dream who instructs him to name the baby Jesus. Following the birth of Jesus, an angel announces the birth to shepherds, bringing ‘good news that will cause great joy for all the people’ (Luke 2:10).

In Nativity scenes, angels are often shown above the stable or singing praises. Their message is clear: Jesus is a sign of hope and peace for everyone. Angels remind us that Christmas is about God reaching out to all people with love and joy.

Shepherds were ordinary people doing everyday work when angels appeared with the news of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:8–20). They hurried to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus and then shared the good news of his arrival with others.

In Nativity scenes, shepherds often bow down or stand close to the manger with their lambs. Their story shows that God’s love is for everyone – not just the powerful or wealthy.

Donkeys, oxen, sheep and even camels often appear in Nativity scenes and in Christmas songs – but were they really there?

The Bible doesn’t mention animals at Jesus’ birth, though it does say he was laid in a manger, which was a feeding trough for livestock (Luke 2:7), so it is likely that animals were nearby, even if we don’t know which ones.

Whether or not there was a donkey or a cow, the idea illustrates the humanity of Jesus. Just like us, he lived on Earth and experienced environments that are familiar to us, and particularly to those of Mary and Joseph’s time.

The wise men, sometimes called magi or kings, are often depicted as three people – but we don’t know their exact number or status.

The Bible tells us that they travelled from far away in pursuit of Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem, and we know that they were guided by a star (Matthew 2:1-12).

In Nativity scenes, the wise men are often shown alongside all the other figures, kneeling with their gifts in an act of praise and worship. In reality, they wouldn’t have been at the scene with the shepherds and the angels, as they travelled such a long way. Their journey reminds us that seeking Jesus is worth our effort and commitment.

Jesus is the central figure of the Nativity, and of the Christian faith. In Nativity scenes, he is usually shown lying in a manger, wrapped in simple white cloth.

The Bible tells us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph, fulfilling ancient prophecies about a Saviour who would bring hope and peace to the world (Luke 2:7). The birth of Jesus did not take place in a palace, but in a domestic space where animals were kept. Today, this reminds us that God’s love reaches everyone, no matter how ordinary or uncomfortable life may seem.

Later in life, Jesus taught about forgiveness, love and eternal life, and Christians believe he died and rose again to make a way for us to know God personally.

The invitation of Christmas is simple: in love, Jesus came down to Earth so that you could know him and experience his life-changing love today.