The Crèche…Caesar Augustus orders a census to count every family in the Roman Empire. Because Joseph is a descendant of David, he must file his census in the small village of Bethlehem. He travels with his expectant wife, Mary, and they discover there is no lodging available. Through the mercy of an Innkeeper, God's Son enters the world in a stable and fulfills a promise foretold seven centuries earlier by the prophet Micah.

 11"h

The Virgin Mary…believes the angel's promise…and gives birth to God's son, Jesus, not in a mighty palace, but in a lowly stable. The Virgin Mary delivers a perfect child…Jesus…who in turn…delivers us. Mama prays…her child, like Mary, will nurture a servant's heart. Luke 1:26-56, 2:6-7, 37-38; Matthew 1:18

So Joseph, rather than choosing to save his reputation... chooses to save his soul. Mama prays... her son, like Joseph, will seek divine guidance over worldly advice. - Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-7.

Tallest  5"h

A Gift of Frankincense…Traveling from far carrying a gift of incense fit for a king, Magi from the East follow a brilliant star seeking what God has for them. In the light of the star, they find the Christ-child…and discover that God's gift awaiting them is perfect! Mama prays...like the Magi, her child will have a seeking heart. Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11; Psalm 72:8-11.

A Gift of Myrrh... The ruthless King Herod tries to deceive the Magi by asking the where-abouts of the baby, so he can worship too. In a dream, God warns the Magi. Their gift of Myrrh is precious... and faithfully protecting God's Son is divine. Mama prays... like Magi, her child will be prayerful and not deceived.- Matthew 2:7-12 (NIV); Psalm 78:8-11.

A Gift of Gold…The star leads the Magi into Jerusalem and on to Bethlehem. Upon finding the Christ-child, they give... both their treasure of gold and their hearts of gold. Mama prays... like the Magi, her son's best gift is his heart. -Micah 5:2-3; Matthew 2:3-6, 9-11;Psalm 72:8-11.

Tallest 5.5"h

The Angel Gabriel…reveals to the Virgin Mary that she is blessed to give birth to God's son and proclaims, "…you are to give him the name Jesus…Son of the Most High...his kingdom will never end. For nothing is impossible with God." Mama prays…that her little angel will also share that nothing is impossible with Jesus. Luke 1:26-38.

5.5"h

The Shepherd Brothers…see a Heavenly host of angels proclaiming the birth of the Lamb of God. Shepherds, which are among the least, God invites first to see His Son! For God knows a shepherd's joy will bring others into His flock. Mama prays…that like the shepherd brothers, her children's faith will overflow onto one another. Luke 2:6, 13-20

5.5"h

The Donkey…though considered one of the lowliest of animals, has the honor of carrying…Mary-expectant and weary-to Bethlehem…baby Jesus, in the arms of Mary, to safety in Egypt…and later the King of Kings, through the gates of Jerusalem. Matthew 2:13-15; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 2:4-5

 4"h

A Chorus of Angels…appear to the shepherds in the fields and praise God singing, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Mama prays…her little angel will sing God's praises. Luke 2:14 (KJV); Luke 2: 9, 13-14

5.5"h

The Goats…are welcome friends at the manger. They played an important role in the Old Testament, for Jewish Tradition offered the goat as a sign of redemption. After the birth of Jesus, true redemption is through Him. Hebrews 10:1-4, 9:11-15

2"h

8.5" h

The Camel…A unique creature helped the Wisemen cross the desert from Persia. It could endure distance, withstand heat, carry its own water, remain sure-footed on sliding sands and be strong enough to carry men, their gear, gold, and gifts. The first gift was, for the Wisemen, a perfect travel companion...the Camel. - Matthew 2:1-12

6.5"h

The Sheep…The Bible uses the special relationship between sheep and their shepherd as an illustration of God’s loving care for us. Jesus is born as our Good Shepherd, who knows each of us intimately by name. He leads us, tends to our daily needs, protects us, and in time, will bring us home. Luke:2: 8 and Palm 23

3.5"h

The Little Shepherd…knows each new lamb, and they know him. For night and day the shepherds are counting, protecting, rescuing the lost, and guiding. The little shepherd is thankful because baby Jesus will grow up to be his Good Shepherd. Mama prays…that her child will be counted, rescued, protected, and guided by The Good Shepherd. Psalm: 23; Lucke 2:8-12

4.5"h