As empty nesters, we have slimmed down the amount of Christmas decorations we put up each year. I like the freshness of rearranging and the addition of the seasonal colors, but want to keep the “stuff” to a minimum. This year we didn’t find room for the nativity scene.
At first I thought, “That is ok. One less item to put away later. No one will miss it.” But I was wrong. I missed them. I retrieved the box from the basement storage.
The chipped, older than me, nativity scene is now displayed in its new location in my living room. I carefully unwrapped each of the characters: the baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the Wisemen and the angel.
In many homes and churches, the baby Jesus is often left out of the crib until Christmas day, representing the fact that He has not been born yet. Personally, I put the characters out all at once.
I glance at this holy scene every time I pass by; grateful I decided to dig them out of the box. Slowly they speak to my heart: there are lessons in pondering this most precious moment in time.
1. Pay attention to how nativity scenes are usually arranged.
Christ is the center.
He calls to me: “Am I the center of your life?”
2. The other characters stay in their ordered position at just the right angle – toward the newborn King. Not just glancing with their eyes, but leaning with their whole posture turned Jesus.
Christ is the center.
He calls to me: “Turn your whole self to me. Not just an obligatory, fleeting nod, but even in this busy holiday season, love me with your whole heart, soul, mind – your whole self.”
3. Each year the scene animates the account of Jesus’ birth. You would think the story would get boring, but it never does. The nativity almost comes alive with the ancient tale of how much God loves us – enough to take the form of a baby and come to each of us as his gift of salvation.
Christ is the center.
The nativity scene breaths in new life as Christ once more take center place in my heart.
At first I didn’t find room for the nativity scene this year. Now I am glad I did. The nativity scene reminded me once again that
Christ is the center.
This post reminded me of the nativity scene my parents once had. The figures were made from plaster of paris and I think my mom and aunt painted them. I’m going to call my mom.
Great post. We are empty nesters too and we cut way back this year on decorations. Yay! I put my nativity scene out last and what a joy!
Jeanie, I had not thought much about the different characters leaning and their stances. Aww, the deeper meaning. I love nativities!