the greatest story
my first nativity, a gift from my grandmother
Luke 2:1-20, from The Message by Eugene Peterson:
About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken througouht the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancee’, who was pregnant.
from my mom in law, of Bethlehem olive wood
While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
from a friend, made in Peru
There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. 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.”
also made in Peru
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises: “Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.”
from Convent of St. Theresa, St. Andes, Chile
As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger.
little pewter one, given for my kids to play
Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.
handmade bread dough, in a bed of rice
Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!
Merry Christmas, friend! Yes, the greatest story!
I hope yours was as good as can be.
HeatheroftheEO’s last blog post..Love was all around
Pam — What a lovely way of illustrating a classic story of God’s grace reaching down to us. Merry Christmas, and may you be blessed in the year to come.
Jennifer’s last blog post..The Repairman Has Arrived
[...] that fast. I need to play a little music, light some candles, put up the tree, and pull out the nativity scenes to get into the mood. It helps even more to bask in my kids’ excitement, watch little ones [...]
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