Lessons learned from the nativity display

One of my earliest childhood memories of Christmas was the nativity displays. The cardboard-punch-outs, the fragile ceramic figures, the hobbit-sized yard displays fueled my creativity as a child. Prior to i Pads and x boxes, I imagined what the Christmas characters thought. From the unspeakable joy of the shepherds to the camel-sore wise men, these figures represented real people in real time.

Remember it’s a true story

Remember, the birth of Jesus is not simply a list of facts, but a story with real characters that experienced real emotion and wrestled with real decisions. A professor of mine once quipped that “a good commentary on the Scriptures is your sanctified imagination.” When I read the narratives of Scripture, I find it helpful to try to imagine what the real life characters of Scripture must have been thinking.

Invite others to tell the story

Here’s an effective Christmas lesson, applicable for all ages. Take a nativity set, pass out the characters, and ask your group to share what they would have thought, if they had they been called to be the figure that they are holding.  Like a diamond turned in the light, each time I’ve done this with a group, I’ve discovered another facet of the story. Something I’d not noticed before.

This Christmas, step away from your party preparation and shopping lists long enough to only imagine…

PHIL MOSER is the author of the Biblical Strategies series and the developer of 4M Training: a 13-week small group study for men. All of his resources are found on amazon or at biblicalstrategies.com.

If you’re looking for a resource for your men’s group, consider 4M Training. In 13 weeks you’ll learn to Mature in your faith, Master key habits, Minister to one another, and Mentor the next generation. Click on image below to learn more.