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Weird Nativity Scenes are Christian Writer's Cross to Bear

David Moye
First Posted: 12/ 2/11 10:34 AM ET Updated: 12/ 3/11 02:05 PM ET

Jesus Christ was born more than 2,000 years ago, so it's safe to say there is no one alive who was there to witness it.

That said, many artists and entrepreneurs have taken liberties in depicting the blessed event in their own way, such as by portraying Jesus, Mary and the three wise men as cats, dogs, strips of bacon -- or even cans of spam.

Some might think it sacrilegious -- or "sacri-licious" in the case of the pork-inspired nativity -- but Christian author Mark Oestreicher [ http://www.theyouthcartel.com/ ] sees it as proof that God works in strange and mysterious ways.

"Many cultures depict manger scenes using elements familiar to them," Oestreicher told HuffPost Weird News. "Some manger scenes made in Africa depict the participants as African instead of Middle Eastern, and I've seen some made in India that used an artistic style that is more common in Buddhism."

Zombie Nativity
Oestreicher has collected some of his favorites on his blog, WhyIsMarko.com [ http://whyismarko.com/ ], including this one that depicts all participants as zombies in "Deathlehem."


Rubber Duckie Nativity
Oestreicher used to be bothered when he would see nativity scenes depicting Jesus, Mary and Joseph as rubber ducks, but now he looks at products like these as "whimsical attempts for people to engage in a mystery."


Meat Nativity
This depiction of the birth of Jesus "meats" all of Oestreicher's criteria for an offbeat nativity -- and has the added bonus of being able to feed peoples' stomachs and their souls at the same time.


Nativity Cupcake Toppers
At first, Oestreicher was taken aback by the use of obviously commercial products, such as these cupcake toppers, even though they "weren't morally wrong." But he has learned to enjoy them.


Mermaid Nativity
Oestreicher loves the craft that went behind this nativity scene, even though he finds the concept fishy.


Spam Nativity
This depiction of the Bethlehem manger in spam is surely made for Monty Python fans.


Snow Globe Nativity
Oestreicher is particularly amused by this snow globe nativity, mainly because of the way Mary and Joseph are looking at their child through a fishbowl.


S'mores Nativity
Oestreicher believes this nativity, which depicts Jesus and family as s'mores, is perhaps the worst nativity set he's seen.


Shotgun Shell Nativity
If there is a person in your life whose favorite religious ditty is "Praise The Lord And Pass The Ammunition," this nativity made from shotgun shells is sure to hit the bullseye.


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Around the Web:

27 worst nativity sets: the annual, growing list!
http://whyismarko.com/2011/27-worst-nativity-sets-the-annual-growing-list/

top 20 worst nativity sets
http://whyismarko.com/2010/top-20-worst-nativity-sets/

27 worst nativity sets: the annual, growing list! (Humor - I think)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2814573/posts

27 Worst Nativity Scenes - Birds & Blooms Community
http://community.birdsandblooms.com/forums/p/355141/4080892.aspx

World's worst nativity sets « The Deacon's Bench
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/deaconsbench/2011/11/worlds-worst-nativity-sets/

Worst Nativity Sets Ever - cats, chickens, zombies, cupcakes ...
http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=25877

Nativity Christmas Sets
http://www.squidoo.com/Nativity-Christmas

lgstarr: 27 worst nativity sets: the annual, growing list!
http://lgstarr.blogspot.com/2011/11/27-worst-nativity-sets-annual-growing.html

top 20 worst nativity sets by Mark Oestreicher
http://thegrablegroup.com/entertainment/comedy/top-20-worst-nativity-sets-by-mark-oestreicher/

Weird Holiday Inventions From The US Patent Office
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/29/weird-holiday-inventions_n_1118928.html

A very Grimm Christmas
http://www.newsreview.com/reno/very-grimm-christmas/content?oid=4550715

The Advent Calendar: Day 1
http://www.theyorker.co.uk/news/artsweek/8071

May the force be with you this season
http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/columnists/force+with+this+season/5787160/story.html

blond baby Jesus …
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thecrescat/?p=3228

Angry 'Frosty the Snowman' Needs to Do Some 'Jolly Happy' Soul-Searching
http://thestir.cafemom.com/in_the_news/129341/angry_frosty_the_snowman_needs

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