Naciamiento

Growing up we called the nativity scene a "naciamiento." To this day that's what I call it because it reminds me of being "home." Putting these figurines out every year is one of my favorite parts of decorating for the Christmas holiday. I always love to start out with this scene, as it depicts the true reason for the season.

As I set it out, I always wonder if it was chilly or if Mary was warm on that special night.
I wonder if Mary was scared or if she was at peace as the signs of labor began.
And I think about the animals, and question if they knew something extraordinary was about to happen.

I wonder if the wise men truly understood the Majesty they were bring gifts for.

And I try to picture the sky with the bright and shining stars. How magnificently bright they probably were that night.

Salvation came by infant king. Today Monkey came home with his nativity scene. One that he made.

He was so proud. I was so proud of him.

He knows the story of this infant whose birth changed the world. Have you ever thought about our birthdays being set by Jesus' birth? (B.C. and A.D.)

Jesus' life story is more told over than any other person to have walked on this earth.
I think there is some significance in that. Don't you?

I also put this small hand carved scene out each and every year. A friend of mine brought it back for me from Palestine. He was Muslim, but he knew this gift would be cherished by me. It stands only 5 inches tall. I love to look at the wood carvings. I've had to super glue more than one piece back on.

It's in my kitchen and each time I am washing dishes I think of all of the people who are celebrating something else besides Jesus during our holiday season and I pray for them.

I pray for everything that is going on in the Middle East.

And I thank God for the gift of his Son. Funny, how a little token given to a friend during high school can have such an impact.

Amazing that a carpenter changed our world.

The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12