 A nativity scene takes its inspiration from the accounts of the birth of Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke . Luke 's narrative describes an angel announcing the birth of Jesus to shepherds who then visit the humble site where Jesus is found lying in a manger , a trough for cattle feed . ( Luke 2 : 8 @-@ 20 ) Matthew 's narrative tells of " wise men " ( grk.μαγοι magoi ) who follow a star to the house where Jesus dwelt , and indicates that the Magi found Jesus some time later , less than two years after his birth , rather than on the exact day . ( Mat.2 : 1 @-@ 23 ) Matthew 's account does not mention the angels and shepherds , while Luke 's narrative is silent on the Magi and the star . The Magi and the angels are often displayed in a nativity scene with the Holy Family and the shepherds although there is no scriptural basis for their presence . ( Luke 2 : 7 ; 2 : 12 ; 2 : 17 ) 
