Whose Nativity?

The Nativity

We are all familiar with the Nativity scenes that so many churches and homes put on public display during the Christmas season. These typically include a stable and manger, in which the baby Jesus lies, surrounded by Joseph and Mary, together with the three Maji, angels, shepherds, and various farm animals.  And of course, all the humans and angels are white skinned .

However, most features of this display are nowhere to be found in the Bible.

In point of fact, the only mentions in the King James Bible of Jesus’ birth are as follows:

            Matthew Ch. II

Verse 11 – And when the Magi, (wise men from the east) were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and fell down and worshiped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts of gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

Luke Ch.II

Verse 7 – And she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Verse 15 – And it came to pass, as the angels were gone from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which has come to pass.

Verse 16 – And they came with haste and found Mary, and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

What was never mentioned

            Magi –that they were kings or that there were 3 of them.

            Angels –no angels were at the scene of Jesus’ birth

            The presence of any animals.

That they were in a stable. The Greek word translated as inn may also mean guest room.  Matthew says wise men found the baby in a house. In those days homes often contained a stable as part of the house, to keep their livestock safe at night.

That their skins were white.  Obviously, being mid-east people, all would have fairly dark skin, INCLUDING JESUS!  For God to give his son pale skin would be a mistake, as he would appear odd to the local people.

Also, what the heck happened to those gifts of the magii?   For a poor carpenter and his wife, they would be worth a huge amount of money.