As I take each piece from the worn,
cardboard storage box, I marvel that it they have lasted so well for almost 40
years. This will be the 38th Christmas that I have set up my special
Nativity scene. It’s very traditional with special touches added from my
childhood and throughout our married life.
The first piece is the stable,
looking a little worn; some of the thatch is coming off the top, probably a lot
like the first stable in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph are then placed in the
stable along with a cow and a donkey. I also place two special white lambs that
I have had since I was a young girl with my first Nativity scene. The Innkeeper
stands outside with his lantern, making sure they are settled comfortably. It’s
a humble setting for a couple awaiting the birth of such a special child.
Next, I place the Shepherds and
sheep into the field, off stage from the stable. I imagine the surprise of
those long ago herders who were suddenly given amazing news by the Angels. The
good news of the Holy birth came first to humble men in the fields, rather than
to the Royalty of the land. They didn’t question the Angels, but left their
flocks and went in search of the Baby Jesus.
From my storage box I take out the
Angels, an eclectic assortment collected over
the years. I place them near the Shepherds and their sheep. None of the Angels
came with my original Nativity set, but have been gifts or former Christmas
tree ornaments. They are now a special part of my Christmas tradition. Hark,
the Herald Angels sing; glory to the new born King!
When we bought the Nativity in one
of our first years of marriage, it came with only two wise men. A few years ago
Allan surprised me with the third Wise Man as well as an Inn Keeper to upgrade
my set. The Wise Men, who didn’t come to the Holy family until some time after
the birth, are placed further from the stable, making their way, following the
Star. I don’t have a Star in my collection; but it is always there in my mind.
I think it is interesting that the
Wise men are not mentioned in the Luke 2 story of the first Christmas but are
in the Matthew Gospel. Likewise, the Shepherds are not mentioned in Matthew but
are in Luke’s story. Together, the two Gospels tell the story of the birth of
Christ.
On Christmas Day the baby Jesus is
added to the Nativity. Okay, so many years I don’t wait and have the completed
Nativity throughout the Advent Season. But some years, I move the Shepherds and
Wise Men closer throughout Advent and on Christmas, the birth of the Christ
Child is represented by placing the manger and baby in the Nativity.
We have many traditions and holiday
symbols of the season. But to me the Nativity is the most moving, the most
representative of what Christmas is all about.
