nativity scene
Christmas stable tableau
A nativity scene is a depiction of the birth of Jesus Christ, typically featuring figurines of the infant Jesus, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, and the three wise men arranged in a stable or manger setting.
These displays appear during the Christmas season in homes, churches, and public spaces: They set up the nativity scene on the front lawn every December.
Also called a crèche or manger scene.
Manger scene display
- yuletideWinter holiday period
- AdventChristmas preparatory season
- carolsFestive religious songs
- midnight massWorship at Christmas's first hour
Christmas Eve · candlelight · festivity · herald angels · Gloria · pageant · holiday · Christmastide
Small ornamental sculptures
- tableauStriking pictorial arrangement
- dioramaEnclosed miniature scene display
- crecheManger scene display
- miniatureReduced-scale representation
sculpture · ceramic · porcelain · wooden · handcarved · setpiece · arrangement · depiction
Nativity's traditional setting
- MessiahProphesied divine deliverer
- GospelChristian salvation teaching
- ProphecyForetelling of future events
- AnnunciationGabriel's announcement to Mary
Holy Family · Jesus · Mary · Joseph · Herod · salvation · redemption · scripture
Learned, discerning people
- three kingsBiblical gift-bearing travelers
- EpiphanyChristian feast, January sixth
- goldElement seventy-nine
- frankincenseAromatic resin for incense
myrrh · Star of Bethlehem · Caspar · Melchior · Balthasar · gifts · camels · journey
Secure and unchanging
- hayDried feed crop
- strawTube for sipping
- swaddling clothesCloth strips restraining newborns
- innLodging for wayfarers
crib · oxen · donkey · cattle · wooden · trough · feeding · lowly
creche
Manger scene display
midnight mass · Christmas Eve · candlelight · festivity · herald angels · Gloria · pageant · holiday · Christmastide · seasonal
figurines
Small ornamental sculptures
- tableauStriking pictorial arrangement
- dioramaEnclosed miniature scene display
- crecheManger scene display
miniature · sculpture · ceramic · porcelain · wooden · handcarved · setpiece · arrangement · depiction · illuminated
Bethlehem
Nativity's traditional setting
- MessiahProphesied divine deliverer
- GospelChristian salvation teaching
- ProphecyForetelling of future events
Annunciation · Holy Family · Jesus · Mary · Joseph · Herod · salvation · redemption · scripture · theology
wise men
Learned, discerning people
- three kingsBiblical gift-bearing travelers
- EpiphanyChristian feast, January sixth
- goldElement seventy-nine
frankincense · myrrh · Star of Bethlehem · Caspar · Melchior · Balthasar · gifts · camels · journey · East
stable
Secure and unchanging
- hayDried feed crop
- strawTube for sipping
- swaddling clothesCloth strips restraining newborns
inn · crib · oxen · donkey · cattle · wooden · trough · feeding · lowly · humble
adoration
Profound loving regard
- worshipReligious reverence and praise
- pietySincere religious devotion
- reverenceProfound admiring respect
sacred · holy · prayer · veneration · faith · contemplation · kneeling · blessing · miracle · wonder
flock
Animals gathered together
field · hillside · watching · visitation · humble · announcement · lambs · crook · staff · heavenly host
- seasonal structurescorn maze, haunted house, pumpkin patch, Christmas market, ice sculpture
- Catholic Familyfamily prayer, family altar, Catholic school, Catholic education, Catholic values
- Catholic Itemsrosary beads, crucifix, rosary, holy water font, holy card
- Christmas Worshipmidnight mass, Christmas Eve service, Christmas carols, candlelight service, holy night
- religious decorwooden cross, metal cross, menorah, Star of David, crucifix
- sacred statuesVirgin Mary statue, Christ statue, angel statue, goddess statue, church statue
nativity sceneChristmas tree
Decorated seasonal evergreen display
Frosty the Snowman · Santa's workshop · Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer · gingerbread house · candy cane
nativity scenemenorah
Jewish ceremonial lampstand
kinara · Diwali lights · Islamic calligraphy · Star of David · yin and yang
nativity scenecrucifixion scene
Depiction of Christ's death
pietà · Stations of the Cross · crucifix · Pietà · Calvary