Theme: Christmas

The nativity scene

Alice was playing in the living room when Ms. Lucia entered with a box in her hands and a smile on her face.

- Daughter, come and see what mom bought to decorate our house! - she said, excitedly.

- Yay, I want to see it, but first I want to guess what it is! Give me a tip mom! - asked Alice.

- It’s a Christmas ornament! And it is made up of several pieces - said Ms. Lucia.

- I know it! It’s another Christmas tree - said the girl.

- No dear! We don't need two trees. It's something different from all the other decorations we have. I don't think you know it yet.

- Oh, then you can show me, because I’m already curious - said Alice.

Ms. Lucia opened the box, took out some pieces and showed them to her daughter. They were small figurines of people in various positions. She also had a little baby and some animals.

- Look, Alice, this is a representation of Mary, the mother of Jesus - said Ms. Lucia, showing a statuette of a woman, with a beautiful face and loving eyes.

Ms. Lucia explained that they would set up a nativity scene on the living room table.

Carefully, she showed her daughter how each character should be positioned.

First, they placed the manger with the baby Jesus in the center. Then, on each side of the boy, his parents, Mary, and Joseph. Behind him, the larger animals, such as the horse and the ox. The sheep were in front. The three wise men stood diagonally, and all faced the baby Jesus.

Ms. Lucia also adjusted the setting that imitated the stable and the star of Bethlehem above it.

- Okay, we’re done! Do you see how beautiful it is, daughter?

- Yes, it is, mom!

- And more beautiful is what it means: the birth of Jesus! - said Ms. Lucia.

- That’s true! Grandma told me the story. Jesus was born in a stable, among the animals, and was placed in the manger, which was a type of trough where the animals ate. Mary had to give birth there, as she and Joseph were not in the city where they lived and were unable to find any inn to spend the night.

- That's right, darling! And do you also know what we celebrate on Christmas Day?

- Yes I know! It is the birth of Jesus. Oh, I understand - said Alice, thoughtfully - that's why we're setting up the nativity scene now at Christmas time, right, Mom?

- Exactly, daughter! Christmas is a delightful celebration where we gather as a family, eat together, exchange gifts, decorate the house and the city with lights and colorful balls. But the most important thing is to remember Jesus and his message of love.

- I liked it - said Alice with a smile. - You had a good idea, Mom.

- In fact, the idea was not mine, but of Francis of Assisi, who created, back in Italy, where he lived, the first nativity scene in history. That was a long time ago, but it was such a good idea that people still repeat it today.

- And this year we’re going to spend Christmas with our nativity scene, too! - said the girl, with joy.

Ms. Lucia and Alice have just finished arranging some details. With all the decorations in place, the house was beautiful and prepared for the great celebration of the birth of Jesus.

And that year, they and the whole family had a very happy Christmas.

Translation: 
Larissa Martine - larissa_am@hotmail.com
 

marcelapradacontato@gmail.com