When I moved into my first apartment, my parents gave me the wonderful gift of my first crêche. It was a simple set of hand-carved olive wood pieces, made in Bethlehem. Since then, being married and having children, it has endured many exploring little fingers and curious cat paws. Each piece is free-standing, so it is displayed a little differently each year, depending on who arranges it.
The shepherd figures have roughly carved cloaks, the wise men look severe and thoughtful. Mary has a soft, serene expression on her face. The animals, carved in both standing and resting positions, range widely over the tabletop at the whim of the designer. Over the years, other animals have "joined" the display: wild animals from Africa (my personal favorite is the warthog!), painted elephants from India, china bunnies from Germany, and the occasional Beanie Baby™ added by one of our daughters.
But more than the figures themselves, there is the growing understanding by our children of the Christmas story. I listened to them last week as they excitedly unwrapped the pieces and put them in place.
"LOOK! Here's the camels!"
"Here's the baby lamb that likes to look at Baby Jesus!"
"Here's Mary and Joseph. And a donkey. Mary looks tired."
"Why is she tired?"
"Because she had to travel a long way and have a baby without her mom being there to be grandma."
"But Joseph was there. And God will take care of them."
I marvel at their insights and their simple trust in God. I am thankful that they are gaining more knowledge about God, and about His Love for them. And as they tell each other an "expanded" version of the birth of Jesus (not quite the Gospel of Luke), I am encouraged and blessed.
Since receiving my first crêche, I have been given others. Our "newest" one belonged to Ken's grandma, and was recently passed down to us. The larger, fragile ceramic figures are beautiful and grace the top of our piano each Advent. Another crêche we own is made from unfired clay by an unknown Mexican artist. Mary is pictured as a bride with a bouquet of flowers, and Joseph holds his sombrero in his hands as he looks as his Son.
Our family crêche has become more than a seasonal decoration; it helps us tell the story of Christ's Birth to our children, and perhaps one day to our children's children.
His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came
from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14
From our home to yours-
Deb
May be used or reprinted with
written permission. 