The Holy Nativity

2 P&P Weekly Blog for 7-13 December 2024

A snow-covered wooden nativity

There was something so beautiful about finding this simple wooden nativity in the snow. In silhouette, each animal, the manger, Mary and Joseph, and the Christ child, the Wisemen and angels, were intricately carved. Each was bowed as if giving their worship, just as I picture the original scene in my mind. 

“When this great army of angels had returned again to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, 'Come on! Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ 16 They ran to the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story expressed astonishment, 19 but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them. 20 Then the shepherds went back again to their fields and flocks, praising God for the visit of the angels, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had told them.” Luke 2:15-20 TLB

“So when they had heard the king, they departed. And lo, the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over the place where the Child was. 10 And when they saw the star, they rejoiced with an exceedingly great joy. 11 And they went into the house, and found the Child (with Mary, his mother), and fell down and worshipped Him, and opened their treasures; and presented gifts to Him: gold and frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:9-11 RGT

The Holy Nativity is a place of invitation. It’s a setting into which, like Mary, we need to ponder,  pause, and meditate, not hurry right by. It’s a place we should hasten to, like the shepherds did, in our hearts. It’s a space where, like the Wisemen, we should bring our offerings, worship, and adoration. It’s a place that deserves our exultation and proclaiming of the Good News as the angels did. It’s a place of great light, peace, and joy. 

Mary’s Song: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.” Luke 1:46-50 NIV

Dear Lord, I come like Mary—pondering the events of Your birth. I come like the shepherds, seeking to know You. I come like the animals of the manger, simply grateful to be near such an inspiring King of Kings. I come like the angels trumpeting Your Good News. I come like the Wisemen bringing all that I have and am before You—bowed to give You honor and glory. Amen.

Will you bow? Will you behold the Christ child in all of His glory? Will you worship Him this Christmas by sharing His love with your world? 

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