I
have nearly 20 different nativity scenes displayed inside and outside our home this
year for Christmas. Other than the Christmas tree, they are the only decorations
I like to use during this holiday season because I need the reminder of what all
the hoopla is really about. It is so easy for me to get focused on gifts, parties,
and food—pausing only for an hour on Christmas Eve to honor the One True Gift.
So, I decorate with crèches of all sizes and shapes in honor of the birth of Jesus,
and, in the hopes that I will take a few minutes (or seconds) each time I look
at them to remember.
We have the manger scene my husband’s parents
purchased the year he was born. It used to include all the characters mentioned
in association with Jesus birth, but a few of the figurines have gotten broken
over the years.
As
I mused over the scene spread across our coffee table, I contemplated the figures who were
there at the first Christmas and considered their example for us to emulate today.
Throughout
the account are angels carrying messages from God. We, too, are charged with
announcing the Gospel by word and deed.
Attending
Jesus is His mother Mary, who received Jesus with complete openness to God’s
will. We are called to do the same—to walk courageously in faith and bring His
love to the world through our service.
Alongside Mary
is Joseph, who lived out the virtues of humility and obedience. Like him, we should
be seeking not the glory of this world, but the praise of Jesus.
The shepherds
were privileged to be first to receive the Gospel. Called in the midst of their
daily work, they are a model for us to look for Jesus in our daily labor.
Coming later,
the magi journeyed with only a mysterious revelation from heaven that they did
not fully understand, and a star to guide them.
We are also called to journey toward Heaven along paths that we often do
not comprehend, but, like those wise-men, we can trust in God’s guidance.
Be encouraged!
Pam
©2019 Pamela D. Williams
writepam71@gmail.com
