As we celebrate Christmas 2023, the Nativity display reminds us of who it is about; and the calendar points to the fact that the Nativity was such an event historically that nothing else can compare. Sure, there are other calendars; the Japanese, Chinese, Indians, Israelis, and others have calendars, but the calendar based on Jesus' life is used almost universally around the world.
When you look at the manger scene above, you see Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Gathered near are a shepherd, a donkey, a sheep, and three wise men. Similar scenes are displayed all over during the Christmas season.
But, what does the Biblical record show, and what does it mean. The Bible does mention the presence of shepherds at the manger scene, but does not specifically mention the number of wise men. It tells of gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but not how many men came. The written Biblical record does not place them at the manger, either.
We see depictions of livestock ranging from a sheep and a donkey as shown above, to scenes with those animals, as well as cattle, and camels. There was no Kodachrome or digital photography then, so all we have is the written record. But it is sufficient to tell the story.
At first glance, we might think of the Nativity as the beginning of the story, but it has its origins in eternity past. Mankind's story begins in the Garden of Eden with the creation of Adam and Eve by this same Jesus. (As the Apostle John writes: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1: 1-3)
