Fontanini Elisabeth, the Innkeeper's Wife

Elisabeth, identified here as the wife of the innkeeper Thaddeus. She is portrayed as a compassionate woman who, while having no room in the inn for Mary and Joseph, tended to the Holy Family and offered them comfort in the stable. She represents the hospitality of that holy night, offering a "quiet devotion" to the Holy Family.

Recent word studies of the Bible indicate that it wasn't actually an inn like we imagine. More likely it was a guest room in a relative's home. Joseph went to Bethlehem because of the census which required him to return to his family's hometown. Because so many family members were crowded into Bethlehem, there was no room at his family's home. The only quiet, secluded place for Mary to give birth in privacy was the stable.

Whether you chose to think of this figure as a family member or stranger to the holy family, we hope this figure helps you experience the birth of Christ anew.

Gift Details:

• Made in Italy by Fontanini, hand crafted and hand painted.

• Material: Polymer

• Dimensions: 5 Inch