And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 NASB
What is your favorite Christmas tradition? Mine revolves around a nativity set. This particular nativity was the centerpiece of my childhood Christmas tree. I remember playing with the angel who dangles on a string above the manger. I also remember wanting to play with the animals. That probably explains why they needed to be reglued when I got the set.
My strongest memory is the open-armed posture of the baby Jesus. I always thought that Jesus was reaching out to hug me. The artist captured the love of God and the essence of the gospel in that tiny statuette. It resonated with me, even as a child.
For over 30 years, this same nativity with the open-armed Jesus has taken center stage under my own Christmas tree. As in my childhood, the presents piled high on either side, but the nativity remained central - physically and spiritually.
This year I decided not to put up a tree. But I still wanted the nativity to have a stage. I set it up on the hall tree by our front door and surrounded it with lights. Now the baby Jesus reaches out to hug everyone who passes through our front door. How appropriate.
Which of your family’s traditions are your favorite and why? Please share with us in the comment section.
Merry Christmas!