For many families, a manger scene is as much a part of Christmastime home decor as colored lights and a tree. This almost iconic version is from the gift shop of the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer, 55 E. Reno Ave. Photo by John Gurzinski. This icon of Madonna and child can be seen behind the altar of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 5300 El Camino Road. Photo by Ronda Churchill. A Dec. 1 Nativity re-enactment at St. Jude Ranch for Children in Boulder City featured youngsters in the key roles. Shepherds Gage Madrid, 4, and Zach Moreno, 12, meet the infant Jesus, played by Tate Reynolds, 1 month, as Aubrianna Spragno, 9, as Mary, and Forest Hanley, 12, as Joseph, look on. Photo by Ralph Fountain. A sculpture of Mary and Joseph with the infant Jesus can be found in the sanctuary of the Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer, 55 E. Reno Ave. Photo by John Gurzinski. This sculpture of Mary and Jesus sits in the courtyard of Christ the King Catholic Community, 4925 S. Torrey Pines Drive. Photo by Jane Kalinowsky. Several live-action re-enactments of the classic Nativity can be found around town in the weeks preceding Christmas. The largest, at 3400 W. Charleston Blvd., is presented by the Las Vegas Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mary and Joseph are portrayed by Katie and Jeremy Rowles. Photo by Sara Tramiel.

For Christians, Christmas -- the Santa-populated, shopping-crazed, decoration-bedecked season we now celebrate -- began in a way as simple, and as beautiful, as it gets.

A woman. A birth. A baby.

The birth of Jesus has been a staple of sacred art for centuries. And whether it's a full Nativity scene -- Mary, Jesus, Joseph, shepherds and the Magi -- or a more simple rendition of mother and infant child alone, it's a niche of art that takes on significance this time of year.

Here, from several churches in Southern Nevada, are a few artistic depictions -- sculptures, paintings, live-action re-enactments -- of the infant Jesus.