Nativity

I just love nativity scenes - they show the true reason for the season. I collect miniature nativity scenes:

It started when I unearthed a few plastic ones that my sister and I received in Sunday School when we were little. One even has the original box. It's probably 35 years old now... I guess I should call it vintage...

The scenes come from all over the world: Germany, Austria, Israel, Peru, Vietnam... and are made of a variety of mediums.

I usually spread them throughout our home, but this year I decided to display them as a collection together.

I usually only buy one a year, but this year I bought three:

The tiny charm in the center is by Suzanne Davis of Pear Tree Primitives. I found it on her etsy shop. It's mounted on a Scrabble tile and came with a chain as well, so that I can wear it as a necklace too.

The phenomenal papercutting is by Beth Twist of Heartstring Primitives. I found it on ebay and am so glad that I won it!!! It is so tiny and detailed that it took my breath away when I unwrapped it. The entire framed piece measures 4 inches square. The papercutting itself is only 2 inches square square!

The last nativity is by artist, Hubert Kamptner of Christkindl Nativity. The molds that he uses to make the ceramic figures date back to 1803. His larger pieces are just incredible, especially those in the handpainted cabinets - I could only afford the smallest piece that he had, but it seems appropriate for my collection. This was my Christkindlmarket purchase this year.

If you have a moment, be sure to look at these artists lovely websites and blogs...

We have a larger nativity in our home as well:

This set began the year that we were married. My sister and her husband bought us the Holy Family and creche for our first christmas and it has been growing ever since. It's by Fontanini and I just love it. Each figure comes with a story card and the pieces are unbreakable so that the boys were able to play with it when they were little. They still set it up each year. I think we have hit the limit on pieces as we are running out of room... This nativity changes with the season. Right now Mary is on a donkey being led by Joseph and the Three Kings are on their mounts as well. Mary and Joseph will "arrive" first and the kings will "arrive" later - then the pieces are changed.

Next time I hope to share more of our decorations.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Luke 2:8-12

Blessings, Patti