This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
Luke 2:12
Each year, as I prepare to set up my Nativity Scene in the front foyer of our home, I am reminded that the Christmas story never grows old. It will always remain a treasure in my heart and something I will treasure each year.
As I carefully set each figurine in place, I see the baby Jesus lying in the manger with his earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, kneeling lovingly by his side. I now place some of the farm animals in the background so that our attention is fully drawn to the newborn babe.
On the rooftop, I have propped a shining star over the stable that twinkles brilliantly. The shepherds will soon arrive as they have recently gazed up at an unusual but magnificent phenomenon in the night sky. They wonder to each other, “Why such a spectacle? What does this mean? Shall we go?”
In the forefront of the stable area, I have placed one of the camels that brought the Wisemen from the East bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. King Herod had given orders for them to find the child who was born to be King of the Jews and now they are here on bended knee.
On their journey, they were led by the star that now rests over the place where Jesus lay. Scripture tells us that God revealed to these Wisemen in a dream not to travel back the same way they had come as Herod had murderous intentions (Matt. 2:1–12).
Outside the manger scene, I have placed a shepherd boy carrying one of his lambs with others following closely behind. Now, two of the little animals wander up close and lay down beside the Lord’s makeshift crib. I ask myself, “Did this young shepherd know to whom he was approaching? As he peered inside the stable, did he wonder if this could be the promised and anticipated King? Is he the one who will die for my sins?”
How appropriate this all seems! Shepherds welcoming the Great Shepherd. Wisemen worshipping he who is Wisdom! Many worshipful thoughts fill my mind as I put each figurine in place. I am thankful for all that Jesus Christ has done in my life. Thank you, Lord, for coming to earth to be the Saviour of the world.
Lord Jesus, may the wonder of your incarnation never fade, the beauty of your condescension never pale, the sweetness of your humiliation never wither, and the power of your love never dull.
Nancy Jones
* Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, ©The Lockman Foundation, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1995. Used by permission.
** The above was taken from Glory to God in the Highest: A Christmas Devotional (Oakville: Proclamation, 2024).
By job title, Alice is the office administrator at Oakridge. But her behind-the-scenes efforts go far beyond that! She is actively involved in the leadership team for the Tuesday evening women's bible study, she is on the mission committee, and she has recently both stepped into the leadership of church bridal and baby shower celebrations, and started teaching in our Ozone kids program. Oh, and if you see any special seasonal or holiday decorations around the church, it's a safe bet that Alice was involved!