Are you counting down the days? I love this time of year. As a kid, we had a million advent calendars around the house so that everyone had a turn each day to be a part of the countdown. Now, I just want to hold onto each day and make it last a little longer. A month is not long enough for me to get my fill of Christmas music in the car, sparkling lights outside, and yummy Christmas-y food. But what I love most of all is the reason we celebrate.We had a big nativity exhibition at our church last weekend, and as I walked around looking at the displays, I was struck again by how beautiful the Nativity story is. I love that there is a place for everyone at the manger, and that every individual in the story offers us a gift--teaching us the kind of people we can be.
Mary believes in seemingly impossible things and understands in a very personal way that she matters to her Heavenly Father. And she takes time to ponder the miracles in her life.
Joseph humbly accepts a life that he probably never planned on, but trusts that the Lord has a bigger plan. And he doesn't just go along grudgingly--he gives his whole heart to his family and does all that he can to protect them, teach them, love them.
The shepherds go about their everyday life and work, and then when something miraculous happens (angels!!), they rush to find the hope they have been waiting for their entire lives. And they don't stop there--once they've seen the Christ child themselves, they go out to share that joy with others.
The angels declare to all that will hear that joy and hope and peace are real. And when you know that, you can't help but sing!
The wise men bring their best gifts to the child--not thinking about what will look good to everyone else, or what's the "it" gift to give. They bring gifts to show that they understand who this baby really is and give Him gifts for a king.
In several of the Nativity scenes I saw, the Christ child wasn't lying in the manger, but sitting upright with his arms stretched out. I love that image because it is what Christmas feels like to me--our Savior reminding us that He came for us and that we have a place where He is.
2 comments:
Leah, I love the images you created with words. You are right--there is room for everyone at the manger.
I love this post! Even when we know the story we seldom stop to really ponder it all the way Mary did. This year has been different for me. I've actually contemplated different aspects and reminded myself that this is not simply a story, it really happened and it changed the history of the world, and in particular it changed my life.
Post a Comment