Here are all the characters—and then some—for building your own nativity scene! Each figure is yours to pop loose and set up as the days of Christmas unfold. There’s the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. There’s the stable with scampering mice and cooing doves that sit in the rafters. There’s the ox and ass and a flock of sheep accompanied by shepherds and their faithful dog. There’s an angel, of course, and a star. Epiphany’s three holy kings, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, are here too.And there are surprises—the gospel’s "senior citizens," Anna and Simeon, who wait 40 days to meet their newborn Lord.

This beautiful, full-color activity book (the pop-out figures are found inside) suggests eight occasions, from Christmas until Candlemas—a full 40 days—for using the figures to tell a portion of the nativity gospels, like a puppet theater! The art of Gertrud Mueller Nelson and the sturdy pop-out figures truly bring the Christmas stories to life.

Building your own Bethlehem is a wonderful way to keep the spirit of Christmas alive well into the new year—perfect for home or classroom, perfect for every age.

Celebrate these Advent and Christmas stories at home or in the classroom:

• The annunciation to Mary

• The birth of Jesus

• The coming of the shepherds

• The flight into Egypt

• The visit of the Magi

• And more!

8 1/2 x 11, 40 pages.