The time-honored tradition of setting up a home Nativity scene just got more interactive. The McGrath Institute for Church Life, from the University of Notre Dame, is giving away a 3D Nativity Coloring Kit. The printable kit includes 12 distinct figures from the Nativity, fully described with references to the Scriptures.
The Institute released this kit as part of the their season’s greetings and in promotion of their educational efforts. In the introduction of the kit, they write:
During Advent and Christmas, many Christian families display a Nativity set, or crèche. Nativities throughout the world often look very different, featuring unique artistic and cultural traditions. Nevertheless, they all tell the story of the Incarnation, when the eternal Son of God became man in Jesus of Nazareth, who was born of the Virgin Mary to redeem the world.
The kit contains a dozen figures that print on separate pieces of paper. After they have been colored, each one folds into a figure that can stand on its own and be positioned in the scene. Figures include Jesus, Mary, Joseph, a lamb, an ox, two children, two angels, two shepherds, the Magi, and even the Star of Bethlehem.
Our favorite part of the kit is that it explains the proper way to bless a Nativity scene. They give step-by-step directions for the blessing, which includes a reading from the Gospels, an original prayer, and even a few suggested Christmas hymns to sing. From start to finish, the 3D Nativity Coloring Kit is a perfect Christmas activity to share with the family.
All one must do to download this fun arts-and-crafts Christmas decoration is sign up for the McGrath Institute for Church Life mailing list. When signing up, you can pick which aspects of the McGrath Institutes functions you wish to receive information about. These include faith formation courses, online theology courses, learning opportunities, free resources, and even programming in Spanish.
The McGrath Institute for Church Life partners with Catholic dioceses, parishes, and schools to address pastoral challenges with theological depth. By connecting the Catholic intellectual life to the life of the Church, they form faithful Catholic leaders for service to the Church and the world. Along with an array of theological courses, they offer several initiatives and programs that approach faith through a lens of academic reasoning.
Learn more about the McGrath Institute for Church Life here.
Read more:
How to make simple Nativity scene figurines with your kids this year
And today we celebrate...