Over the years, I’ve enjoyed seeing how different cultures interpret Jesus’ birth story and represent it in nativity scenes. One year Dave gifted me a Laotian nativity set – where the shelter for the holy family is an elevated hut (to stay dry above flood waters) with space for the animals (such as water buffalo) under the hut. Jesus is in a cradle hung from the rafters.
I have a Mexican nativity that my daughter got for me when she lived in Mexico for a year. I have a variety of other Latin American and Native American representations.
I bought a Kenyan nativity set when I was there teaching at an editorial conference a few years ago. The bright colors and tall figures remind me of the Maasai tribe in a village we visited.
And I still have the lovely porcelain nativity that my mother-in-law gave us for our first Christmas, many years ago. One of my nativities has stuffed fabric characters for kids to play with.
Nativities from around the world remind me that Jesus came for all. Yes, he was born in a particular time and place and culture, per the prophecies. But we see from beginning to end, God’s design was that the gift of relationship with God is for all—for every tribe and people group. From God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3 to John’s vision of every tribe and nation worshipping God in Revelation 7:9.
As we celebrate the miracle that Jesus came for all, may our eyes be opened to a richer experience of God with us. To know that “us” is all humanity—including those who may worship and celebrate in ways very different from our particular cultural experience. May we practice for that day foretold in Revelation, when our voice will be just one of many varied voices worshipping God.
Warmly,
Carla Foote
Note: The correct spelling is “Maasai.” We more commonly see “Masai.” The latter spelling was used by the British, but the tribal name Maasai is for the people who speak the Maa language.
