Most Christmas ornaments show one small picture. We wanted one that tells the whole story: the long road to Bethlehem, the angel and the shepherds, the wise men following the star, and the Savior lying in a manger.
So we designed the Nativity Globe, a 3D ornament laser cut from basswood that slots together into a little globe with six nativity scenes you can see all the way around.
Six Scenes, One Story
- The Journey: Mary on the donkey with Joseph on the road to Bethlehem
- Bethlehem: the little town under the star
- Good Tidings: the shepherds and their sheep
- Glory to God: the angel announcing the birth
- Wise Men: three kings on camels following the star
- Emmanuel: baby Jesus in the manger with Mary and Joseph
Turn the globe in your hand and you walk through the Christmas story one scene at a time.
"Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.'" Luke 2:10 (NKJV)
Scripture on the Top and Bottom
A ring of star panels forms the top dome, and the top disc is engraved with the words of the angels:
"Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Luke 2:14 (NKJV)
Cross panels circle the bottom dome, and the bottom disc carries the heart of the Christmas message:
"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 (NKJV)
A two piece Star of Bethlehem sits on top with a loop for hanging, a reminder of the star the wise men followed:
"saying, 'Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.'" Matthew 2:2 (NKJV)
It Glows
Our favorite part happened by accident. Set the globe in front of a light, or slip a small LED fairy light inside, and the scenes cast nativity shadows on the wall: the star, the arches, the little town of Bethlehem.
Make Your Own: The SVG Cut File
If you have a laser cutter, you can make this ornament yourself. The Nativity Globe SVG file includes everything you need:
- A full 12 x 12 inch board layout with all 30 parts for one ornament, for 1/8 inch (3 mm) basswood
- Assembly notes and starting settings for a 12W diode laser
- A 3D assembly animation video that shows how every part goes together
- 3D preview images
The finished ornament is about 4 inches across and 4.6 inches tall with the star and loop.
A Fair Warning: The Domes Take Patience
We will be honest with you. We rate this build Intermediate. The scene panels, rings and ribs go together easily, but the slanted star and cross panels on the top and bottom domes want to fall out until their disc is pressed on. A few things make it much easier:
- Set the globe upside down in a cup or small bowl while you work on a dome
- Put a tiny dot of wood glue on each panel tab as you set it
- Watch the assembly animation once before you start
Take your time. When the last rib slides into place and you hold the finished globe in your hand, it is well worth it.
A Keepsake for Every Christmas
The Nativity Globe makes a meaningful ornament to bring out every year, and a lovely gift for family, church friends, a teacher or a baby's first Christmas. If you sell at craft fairs, you are welcome to sell the ornaments you make from the file.
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." Matthew 1:23 (NKJV)
Merry Christmas from all of us at Genesis Xtreme.