The initiator of carving of the nativity scene of Žďár nad Sázavou for the pilgrimage church of St John of Nepomuk at Zelená hora was the parish priest Vladimír Vojtěch Záleský in 2013. The professional supervisor and teacher of all novice carvers was the carver Zdeněk Beran from Sázava.

Mr. Beran had already collaborated with Father Záleský on the nativity scene for the abbey church and perhaps then the idea of ​​creating a similar work for the pilgrimage church at Zelená hora was born. A century-old linden tree, which stood by the cross in Lhotka, served as the source of material. After cutting, the wood was dried for a year and only then did the actual carving begin. This ultimately took place in 2013 and 2014, but figures and further carvings were added to the nativity scene in the following years as well. The driving force was Father  Záleský and his role is probably best described by the following quote: "If you don't succeed with the figure, it doesn't matter, you can carve a sheep out of it, and if it's not even a sheep, it will make a nice stone."

Around 70 people were involved in carving the figures at that time. In addition to the figures, the background of the nativity scene with the lower cemetery, Zelená hora, the monastery, as well as the church and the Old Town Hall in the city center were gradually added. The work became a symbol of the unity of the people in the city. In 2016, the "jubilee gate" was also carved on the occasion of the Year of Mercy - 45 images with scenes from the Old and New Testaments were carved into small wooden boards by parish members. The gate has since become part of the nativity scene.

All figures in the nativity scene have their own "certificate" and the name of the author who created them. In total, about one hundred and fifty people helped to create the scene, whether they carved it or provided technical support.