Welcome to Danforth House! Visit the Christmas Nativity!

A World In Miniature by Tom and Mary Stevenson

In 2016, Tom decided to make a Christmas Nativity créche as a display for the front bay window. The créche sits on a 2 foot x 3 foot mounting board, and stands about 33 inches tall.

The design was originally made using just 1x2 pine furring strips for stanchions, and the back was completely enclosed by a 3/4 inch finished pine wall. Later, Tom modified the design by roughly cutting out the back wall panels, leaving the structural stanchions so the figures in the créche could be viewed from all sides.

In 2017, Tom added sidewalls made of 1/4" finished birch plywood, then covered them with a rock design, ink-jet printed on sticky-paper made by Avery, to simulate a low rock-wall foundation. He also added a small hayloft inside. The base of the créche is covered with aquarium sand, held in place by layers of spray-glue. The roof is covered in real dried moss on "sticky paper" sold by Joann's Fabric Stores.

In order to raise the Nativity over the bottom edge of the bay window, Tom built a simple wood frame of 2x4 lumber, painted white to match the base of the bay window. The Angel on top stands on a 3 inch x 4 inch piece of thin clear plexiglass, supported by small struts of plexiglass and superglued to the roof peak. We use white "sticky-tack" to hold the Angel in place, to prevent an unseemly "fall from grace" should the créche accidentally get bumped.

The 14 figures are a beautiful set in 1/6th scale, made by Three Kings Gifts and sold by Amazon. The figures are all made of cast resin and beautifully painted. Each of the Three Kings carries in his gift box a small quantity of gold, frankincense or myrrh.

Here's the pix:

Click on each picture to see a full-size view, then click your browser's "Back" button to return.

 

Navtivity Window View

Front view of the Nativity scene in the bay window, December 2018.

 
Front View closeup

A closer view of the Nativity through the bay window.

 
Rear View

Here's the rear view of the créche, looking out the bay window from the inside of our house.

 
Three Kings

The Three Kings present their gifts to the Baby Jesus. Caspar (kneeling in the foreground) carries myrrh, a rare collection of tree-sap used medicinally and the most expensive gift. Melchior (in red) is next, carrying gold, while Balthazar (in back with the flag) presents frankincense.

 
Three Kings 2

Here's a better view of the Three Kings.

 
Info About the Gifts

Some information about the gifts of the Three Kings.

 
The Holy Family

Here's the Holy Family, Mary (kneeling in blue), Joseph (in brown) and Baby Jesus in the manger. Behind them are two shepherds and their sheep.

 
Angel and Star

Here is an Angel of the Lord, with the Moravian Star overhead. "Do not be afraid. Behold, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12.

 
Angel Closeup

A closeup view of the Angel. "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.'" Luke 2:13-14.

 
Angel with Shepherds

Angel with the Shepherds.

 
The Animals

The animals in the set include a pair of camels, an ox and a donkey.

 
Closeup of Christmas Nativity

Closeup view of our Christmas Nativity scene. Jesus is the reason for the season! Merry Christmas to everyone, and blessings to you in the New Year!