Obama Figurines Top Nativity Scene Add-Ons

By Aaron J. Leichman, Christian Post Reporter Monday, December 15, 2008

The Italian city of Naples has for centuries made big profits through the sale of nativity scene figurines. It is home to some of the finest displays of the nativity scene in the world.

And each year, craftsmen in Naples come up with figurines of some of today's best known public figures, which are often added to traditional displays.

This year, most likely to be standing alongside Mary and Joseph, or perhaps the three wise men, will be another heralded couple – the Obamas.

According to sales records, the newly elected first couple has been outselling French first couple Nicholas Sarkozy and Carla Bruni, Italy's own prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, and even the pope.

"The ones we are selling the most of are those of Barack Obama, America's new president, along with his wife Michelle," craftsman Genny Di Virgilio told the Reuters news agency.

Also behind are figurines of Sen. John McCain, who lost to Obama in this past election.

So far, there has been no indication that McCain will pull ahead in this race.