And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Luke 2:7-11(NIV)
After a time of staring at barren shelves, I pulled boxes of nativities from the closet and began putting them in place. Memories overflowed. Two olive wood sets came from our trips to Israel. There was a stone one from Kenya which Alan purchased on one of his many mission trips. On a mission to Peru, we visited a large market and bought a pottery creche. My mom had painted a set of ceramic figures which covered one shelf. Every one of the over twenty nativities took me back to previous years.
Each set was distinctive but also similar with Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and a manger. Most had shepherds, sheep, and wise men. A few had camels, cows, angels and a star.
Typically, Mary and Joseph look down at Jesus in the manger. Shepherds and wise men stand or kneel outside the stable. Farm animals gather outside with the camels further away. Angels spread their wings and watch in awe.
Every scene is frozen in time. No movement or sound. I enjoy looking at each scene but they only represent one moment in history.
A video might reveal a chorus of animal sounds as sheep and cows settle down. New parents marveling at their tiny son and discussing how to comfort him. Cries of a newborn and a young mother wrapping her son in swaddling cloths. Then came excited voices of unkempt shepherds as they peered inside.
Wise men would be far away questioning the bright star before starting their journey to Bethlehem.
I would love to know the thoughts and feelings of everyone involved at Jesus’ birth and those who traveled to visit him.
Whether a short trek from the hills of Bethlehem or a long journey from a far-away land, they all came with anticipation at the birth of Jesus.
Like my collection of nativity sets we can become stuck at Christmas in the busyness of the season. Better options would be to spend time reading Scripture and meditate on what God says. Trust Him to lead us to what is important instead of what we think is best, what others want us to do or what we have always done.
Because of illness for several days, I have had to cancel activities to rest and relax. My full schedule contained all kinds of pursuits that I looked forward to.
However, being home has given me an opportunity to enjoy a simpler but meaningful Advent. Drinking eggnog while watching special Christmas presentations and listening to Christmas carols gave me entertainment. I am reading through the book of Luke along with other Scriptures and have enjoyed other Christmas stories.
When I hear people say the most important part of Christmas is giving gifts or being kind, I realize they don’t know they full story of Jesus. Of course, we are to be generous and loving but why do we celebrate Christmas?
Unfortunately, many people don’t really know why we have the festive celebrations or have failed to remember.
A life changing gift would be to truly know Jesus.
Loving Father, teach us to know Jesus better and to help others know Him.
Amen
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