Waiting for Jesus

December 15 – Luke 2 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

I’m blown away with surprise! I wanted to talk about the beautiful nativity or manger scenes I’ve seen, and when I started to research traditions, I found a list of “rules for setting up a manger scene” – who knew i was doing it wrong all these years!!? And more important – i dont think it matters at all. (is that a shepherd in this picture, or is it Gandalf?)

Large or tiny, the tradition of setting up a nativity scene is special. Letting children play with the figures is special. Sitting together and sipping eggnog or something else beside the manger scene is special. Slipping a child’s action figure into the scene is really special.
We put ours under the Christmas tree since our pile of gifts (2) is very small. Putting Jesus there is kind of symbolic – or are the wrapped gifts the symbol?

Where do you set up your manger scene – or where do you go to view that special group of figures? Many of the long term care homes have beautiful scenes – pop in for a look and maybe drop off some treats for the hard working staff while you are there.

prayer: Jesus our Lord. You came as a small helpless baby. Renew our hearts to be child-like, humble and needing no power. Fill us with trust and love. Make us your manger, and stir us to hold your love for all the world. Amen

(please share your thoughts and stories in the comment area at the bottom)