Good Afternoon! I am delighted to share with you a Christmas Devotional as we prepare ourselves for Christmas. If you would like to see the Facebook Live, you can find it here on our YouTube Channel or you can go to our Facebook Page.
“In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.”
Luke 2:1-7
So here’s a secret about me: I love Nativity sets! I love seeing them on display and I love collecting them! Although I haven’t officially counted them, I probably have close to a dozen of them. Some go on the wall while others are meant for display on a table or the Christmas tree. I even have a beautiful one my husband made me for the front lawn! And, I just received a new one to add to my collection. (Show Nativity set). As many of you may already know, I’ll be moving at the end of January to a new pastoral charge. And on Monday, our UCW gave me this Nativity as an early goodbye present. Which got me thinking as I prepared for my devotional today. What is it about Nativity sets that makes them so meaningful? I think a part of is the memories. Often Nativity sets remind us of people or moments in time. One of my sets was gifted to me by my Aunt as a teen. It was my first Nativity set other than what my family owned. We see these Nativities and they remind us of people we love, or they remind us of special moments with our loved ones. For example I can still remember my childhood one quite vividly. But Nativity sets are also meaningful because they invite us to enter into the ancient story of our faith. The story of the birth of Christ. A story that we have heard many times yet there is always more for us to see and hear. Which is the beauty of Nativity sets. No two are the same. Some are made from wood or from plastic, glass or ceramics. Some are painted, others shine. Some are quite large and take up space, others sit quietly on the mantle or hang on a tree. And each offer their artist’s vision of what that moment must have been like, even while holding to the traditional image. For example, I have one from Jordan that includes Palm trees and a shooting star overhead. And so I’m going to invite you to take a moment and draw to mind a favourite Nativity set. Perhaps it’s one from childhood or one you saw somewhere, or it may be one you still have. What is it about it that enchants you? That draws you in? That connects you to Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child? (silence). As you think about that Nativity set, also make time to reflect on how it speaks to the message found in the Christmas story. What part of the story shines through to you? Perhaps the Nativity scene speaks to the love Mary and Joseph have for the Christ Child. Or perhaps you see the tender devotion in Joseph as he cares for his wife and child. Maybe the rejoicing shepherds bring you joy as you reflect on the ways the Christ Child seeks to welcomes all. Or maybe you find meaning in the animals gathered around, a reminder of how all of creation rejoiced at the baby’s birth. Whatever shines through, hold it close as you prepare for Christmas. Make time to remember what it is that draws you to the manger and celebrate it, just as you celebrate the Christ Child. For soon he will come. Soon, a tiny baby will once again be laid in a manger. As a reminder of the gifts offered to us in Christ: hope for tomorrow and a never-ending love that is for all people. So may your eyes and hearts be open to the new life to come. Jesus the Christ, Emmanuel, God with us.
Merry Christmas, Rev. Tara Ann
Bideford Pastoral Charge 