na·tiv·i·ty / nəˈtivitē; nā-/ • n. (pl. -ties) the occasion of a person's birth: the place of my nativity. ∎  (usu. the Nativity) the birth of Jesus Christ. ∎  a picture, carving, or model representing Jesus Christ's birth. ∎  a nativity play. ∎  the Christian festival of Christ's birth; Christmas. ∎ dated Astrol. a horoscope relating to the time of birth; a birth chart.

463. Nativity (See also Christmas.)

1. Bethlehem birthplace of Jesus. [N.T.: Matthew 2:1]
2. Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar Magi of the Orient pay homage to infant Jesus. [Christianity: Hall, 6]
3. manger cattle trough which served as crib for Christ. [N.T.: Luke 2:7]
4. ox and ass always present in pictures of Christ’s birth. [Christian Art: de Bles, 29; O.T.: Habakkuk 3:4]
5. shepherds notified by angel of the birth of the Messiah. [N.T.: Luke 2:8–17]
6. Star of Bethlehem star in the east which directed the Magi and shepherds to the baby Jesus. [N.T.: Matthew 2:9]
7. swaddling clothes in which Mary wraps her new-born infant. [N.T.: Luke 2:7]
8. three wise men kings of the Orient, come to worship the baby Jesus. [N.T.: Matthew 2:1–2]

Neglectfulness (See CARELESSNESS .)

Nervousness (See INSECURITY .)

nativity Birth of a New Testament figure as marked by a Christian feast. In general, the term refers to the birth of Jesus Christ, as described in the Gospels. These accounts relate that Jesus' birth in a stable in Bethlehem was attended by wonders – the sudden appearance of a bright star, angels rejoicing, and the arrival of shepherds and the Magi to pay homage to the infant. Christians celebrate Jesus' Nativity at the festival of Christmas on December 25. Other Nativity festivals are held during the Church year.

Nativity ★★ 1978

Unmemorable, made-for-TV portrayal of the romance between Mary and Joseph (of the Bible story), Joseph's response to Mary's pregnancy, and the birthing of Jesus. Not exactly a Bible epic, the direction and acting are uninspired. 97m/C VHS . John Shea, Madeleine Stowe, Jane Wyatt, John Rhys-Davies, Kate O'Mara; D: Bernard L. Kowalski.