Popular gardening YouTuber and blogger Laura LeBoutillier of Gardenanswer.com lent her creative talents to decorating her church’s stage backdrop for Christmas this year. She wanted to design something that would highlight the glory and humility of Jesus’ birth.

Laura created a stunning night sky scene using dark blue velvet curtains, gold rope, and a giant glittery foam board star covered in gold leaf. She hand-cut large foam letters spelling “A Weary World Rejoices” and painted them gold before screwing them to the wall. Down below was a simple manger made from straw bales and wood, contrasting with the majestic sky above. Laura added potted branches and greenery around the stage for a living nativity feel.

This backdrop powerfully sets the tone for Christmas worship by showing both the grandeur of the heavens and the humbleness of a manger. Opening the curtains to reveal the starry sky would make a dramatic moment during a Christmas Eve service, reminding people of Jesus’ holy birth. The whole scene subtly evokes the nativity story through its visual contrast.

Laura’s creative vision resulted in a meaningful, inspiring backdrop that promotes a reverent, worshipful atmosphere. The scale and proportions worked perfectly, transforming the massive-looking letters and star into an awe-inspiring installation. For any church wanting a fresh way to point people to the wonder of Christ’s birth, Laura’s backdrop offers a great example and ideas to spark their own designs.