 The Vatican nativity scene for 2007 placed the birth of Jesus in Joseph 's house , based upon an interpretation of the Gospel of Matthew . Mary was shown with the newborn infant Jesus in a room in Joseph 's house . To the left of the room was Joseph 's workshop while to the right was a busy inn — a comment on materialism versus spirituality . The Vatican 's written description of the diorama said , " The scene for this year 's Nativity recalls the painting style of the Flemish School of the 1500s . " The scene was unveiled on December 24 and remained in place until February 2 , 2008 for The Feast of the Presentation of the Lord . Ten new figures were exhibited with seven on loan from the town of Tesero and three — a baker , a woman , and a child — donated to the Vatican . The decision for the atypical setting was believed to be part of a crackdown on fanciful scenes erected in various cities around Italy . In Naples , Italy , for example , Elvis Presley and Prime Minister of Italy Silvio Berlusconi , were depicted among the shepherds and angels worshipping at the manger . 
