Nativity

Here we have Mary and the baby. Joseph is probably the figure in green, and one boy to represent a field full of shepherds. Those are covered in Luke 2. (The one at our church is somewhat prettier, but has the same figurines displayed)

Incorrectly displayed are three magi with gifts, though we do find them in Matthew 2:

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, (Matthew 2:1 KJV)

They had a specific purpose that upset the current king, always on the lookout for someone eager to take his throne:

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:2-3 KJV)

Didn’t they have enough trouble with Roman conquerors? Now there’s a new king born without any fanfare?  Then we hear the same story from lots of Old Testament situations – who do you call?

And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. (Matthew 2:4-6 KJV)

They knew where, but not who nor when.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. (Matthew 2:7 KJV)

Then, Herod lied:

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. (Matthew 2:7-8 KJV)

Look at the nativity set again. No men carrying swords, yet they played a huge part:

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. (Matthew 2:16 KJV)

Then was heard what we are hearing today, weeping for the innocent children:

In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. (Matthew 2:18 KJV)

Thus had Jeremiah been told:

Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not. (Jeremiah 31:15 KJV)

If our mangers scenes must display these wise men, so should they display the men Herod sent forth to destroy this new king.