Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Can I buy just the book or just the nativity set?
No, the book and nativity are sold together.
What is your return policy?
Items may be returned for 14 days after item has been received if they are in their original packaging and in good condition.
Is the nativity set made for children to play with?
Yes, the nativity set has been tested and certified as safe for children. It is designed for children.
What is the ideal age range for this tradition?
This tradition can begin at the age of 3, although younger children can participate with their parents’ supervision. Children of all ages will enjoy participating in this tradition!
What is a manger?
A manger is a feeding trough and is where Jesus was placed after his birth. In a traditional nativity set, Jesus is seen lying in a manger. The Manger Mission celebrates the journey of the Wise Men to Jesus in the manger. While some time may have elapsed before the historical Wise Men arrived following Jesus’ birth, the Wise Men in The Manger Mission: A Family Christmas Tradition seek to return to Jesus in a traditional nativity. Their journey to the Jesus in the manger each year brings back the experience of their original journey to Jesus.
When should families begin The Manger Mission?
The tradition can begin with the start of Advent or any time prior to Christmas. The flexibility to fit any family’s schedule is a huge benefit to this family Christmas tradition! The tradition begins with reading The Manger Mission: A Family Christmas Tradition.
How does The Manger Mission end?
The Manger Mission ends on Christmas morning with children moving the Wise Men to their final location, to Jesus at the manger in the coordinating nativity set. This can lead into reading the Christmas story (either the story of the Wise Men from Matthew 2:1-12 printed in the back of The Manger Mission book or from Luke 2:1-20).
What is the role of parents in The Manger Mission?
Parents read The Manger Mission: A Family Christmas Tradition with their children to begin the tradition. After that, the tradition is child-led. The parents can participate in the daily aspect of the tradition by reminding their children to move the Wise Men (if needed), encouraging their children’s creativity in selecting different locations for the Wise Men, and celebrating the Wise Men’s final location—their arrival at the manger on Christmas morning. This can lead into reading the Christmas story (either the story of the Wise Men from Matthew 2:1-12 printed in the back of The Manger Mission book or from Luke 2:1-20).
What is the role of children in The Manger Mission?
Rooted in play-based learning, this tradition caters to where children are developmentally while inviting them into creative play as they place the Wise Men each day, teaching them the story of their journey to Jesus through hands-on interaction. Children select a new location for the Wise Men each day, starting by placing them far away from the nativity set and each day moving them a little bit closer to the manger. Finally, on Christmas morning, children place the Wise Men next to the nativity set as they finally complete their mission to the manger.
Did the Wise Men really arrive at the time of Jesus’ birth?
Possibly! There is solid historical, biblical research to support the arrival of the Wise Men either days after Jesus’ birth or later into his toddler years.
To acknowledge this variety of opinion, we included this statement at the beginning of our book, The Manger Mission:
“While some time may have elapsed before the historical Wise Men arrived following Jesus’ birth, the Wise Men in this story seek to return to Jesus in a traditional nativity. Their journey to the nativity each year brings back the experience of their original journey to Jesus.”
We celebrate that children can anticipate and experience the true meaning of Christmas through The Manger Mission, a tradition rooted in the truth of celebrating the birth of Jesus, our eternal King!
Is there free shipping?
As a small business, we are committed to keeping the cost low for a high quality product. To sustain this, we are not able to absorb the cost of shipping at this time. We truly appreciate our customers’ willingness to support our small business!