A couple of summers ago when I was in Uganda I noticed nativity scenes being sold all over the place. I almost bought one several times, but never did. It is a decision I regret now. My wife and I have started collecting nativity scenes from around the world and hope to add several African nativities to the collection one day. I think it is a beautiful testimony of the diversity of the Kingdom of God to see the many representations of the birth of Christ around the world. (I also like seeing representations of Jesus that don’t look white hippies, too. Go check out my quotes page to see some different ways people have painted Jesus if you’re interested.) Anyways, my wife and I started our collection this year with a nativity scene from Peru we bought through Ten Thousand Villages. There’s just something about a brown skinned baby Jesus that speaks more theological truth than the typical nativity scenes we see.
Anyways, recently I have seen a nativity that has quickly become my favorite nativity of all time. It is on the property of Claremont United Methodist Church, right next door to my school, and speaks volumes of theological truth that other nativity scenes are missing. It is especially apropos at this time in our world. Check it out:
Thoughts? Reactions?
Wow. That’s awesome. I needed that, too. I’m turning eighteen this week, and weighing the implications of registering for the selective service, since I’m a pacifist.
Thank you.
I love it. I wish there was one in my town. I wish I had a yard (I live in a condo) so I could put one up in my yard. This is EXACTLY the message we miss at Christmas and in Jesus’ life when “christianity” is co-opted by one side or another.
Thank you for sharing these photos.
Wow, that’s powerful. I have a slightly less serious nativity up in my home that I posted on my blog. Now I feel guilty.
Wow that is well… all the words I can think of to describe it have already been used. I am going to link to this in one of my series of posts on Christmas.
Today I was at a friend’s house and noticed the Nativity set on his end table and I really liked it. I believe he actually got it in Uganda.
Hey bud, I am doing a series of posts on different perspectives on Christmas. Can I use some of these photos?
Feel free.
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