When it’s time to decorate for Christmas, most people think of trees, lights and images of Santa Claus. While giving some sparkle to the season is a great way to celebrate, you may desire to convey more meaning with your holiday display this year.

Life-size outdoor nativity sets can share the true meaning of Christmas with clarity and simplicity. By displaying an outdoor nativity set, you demonstrate to friends, neighbors and customers that you believe in the love of Christmas. You never know how God will use that message.

A life-size nativity set commands attention. Children will want to get a closer look, and they may ask their parents about it. Neighbors may feel encouraged by your example and display nativity scenes of their own on their properties. Customers may ask you where you go to worship, opening the door to meaningful conversations about faith and worship.

Outdoor Nativity Store customer Debbie Mays told us in a recent interview that she while she displays several nativity sets inside her home each holiday season, she feels her outdoor nativity set gives an important message to the community.

“It says what I want to say [about the meaning of Christmas] without having to walk door to door to say it,” Debbie says, adding, “We kind of live in the country, and our corner gets a lot of traffic.”

Scenes depicting the birth of Jesus date back to St. Francis of Assisi and a live display he coordinated in Greccio, Italy in 1223. Statues of the Holy Family had been part of church dramatizations even earlier.

Outdoor Nativity Store, a family-owned online retailer of Christian yard art, designs and sells durable outdoor nativity scenes at surprisingly affordable prices. Outdoor Nativity Store products feature weather-resistant PVC plastic and UV-resistant inks. life-size nativity sets are designed for quick set-up, using only simple tools. Cleaning and storage also are easy to accomplish.

Customers can purchase the Holy Family outdoor nativity set (featuring Joseph, Mary, Baby Jesus and the stable), or, if the wish, they may by add-on nativity set pieces: three kings, a shepherd, two sheep, a camel, a donkey and an angel. The life-size Complete Nativity set starts at $1,050 and includes free shipping.

In a world that seems to increasingly be filled with questioning, pain and loss, a life-size nativity set can be a beacon of hope in the darkness. Placing a nativity set in your home lets your family and guests feel that sense of peace. However, when you display a life-size nativity set outside your home or business, you shine that light for everyone to see.