What God Wants for Christmas - Interactive Nativity

A friend of ours back in Illinois recently sent the boys a Nativity set. Now this isn't just a Nativity to set up for decoration. This is an interactive set that includes a colorful pop up stable, seven gift boxes, an illustrated story booklet, six hand painted nativity characters and a heartwarming surprise in box 7.

When we opened the box the boys were eager to open up all those boxes. I finally convinced them to sit through the story book with me as we slowly opened each box separately. Overall, it took about 20 - 30 minutes to set up our new Nativity.

Box Number 1 contained the angel Gabriel and the booklet has wonderful poems to illustrate each characters role in the Nativity as well as referencing Bible verses. When we opened Gabriel we talked about how the birth of Christ had been foretold many years before by Isaiah. We discussed the patience of God's people; even though God promises us things doesn't mean those promises will be fulfilled soon.

The figures include Gabriel, Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, a shepherd and a wise man. For each box opened and character placed in the stable, we read the poem and Bible verse that described their role. The end of every poem reminded us there is something God wants for Christmas but "be patient, it's in box 7."

Inside box number 7 is a mirror to reflect the thing that God wants most for Christmas....YOU!

The boys were very quiet when we opened this box and we had a short discussion, they're only 6 after all, about how much God loves us and wants to spend eternity with us. In order to do so we only need to believe in him.

This is such a wonderful way to present the Nativity to children! The last box, the gift God wants, reels in children's curiosity so they hang on every word. They can't wait to get to number 7! I would recommend this to anyone who wants to teach their child the deeper meaning of Christ's birth. Thanks Sue!

You can find it here, here, or here.

Merry Christmas!