Advent 2023 • An Unlikely Advent • First Monday

December 4th, 2023

Welcome to an Advent Journey ~

As promised today I want to talk about the nativity. Do you have a special nativity set that you like to display during this season of hope?

I used to keep my nativity set/scene on display year around. Unfortunately, I moved a year and a half ago and I have yet to discover the box the characters and animals are packed in. I do have the stable sitting out and it’s probably just as dusty as the one Jesus was born in was dirty. The nativity gives me meaning and assurance, the meaning that Jesus was born among us and experienced life as we do now. The assurance that God loves me, no matter my place in life. I am loved simply because God created me, on purpose! Below is a picture of my nativity from two years ago…

And, here is it now….

As I am reflecting, on the emptiness of my stable, I’m reminded that in this season I want to empty myself of all the tangles in my life, to be open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. To seek hope, peace, joy and love within Advent and carry it with me all year long.

Most nativity scenes have the Holy Family (Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus), shepherds, magi/wisemen, angels, and an assortment of livestock. Some scenes/sets are rugged and plain, some are made of glass or marble and others may be made of gold and silver, shiny and bright.

How about you? Which kind of nativity brings meaning to you? Do you have more than one nativity scene?

Have you ever wondered why churches re-create the birth/nativity scene of Jesus? Do you or have you re-created any other historical figures birth or circumstances of their birth? The nativity is very popular during Advent and Christmas season for a number of reasons. There is definitely something about the nativity that draws people in. Maybe because it’s so relatable, people can see themselves in similar situations of just needing a little help and shelter.

Many places around the world even have “live” nativity’s where people can come and observe others playing the parts of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, angels, shepherds, wisemen, and live animals as well.

There’s no right or wrong answer to the kind of nativity you decorate, create and re-create. I can only share my experience and I love my set, it’s not necessarily made from quality craftsmanship nor is it shiny and bright, but it does remind me of life, specifically my own. It’s a work in progress, not perfection. I am thankful to have a personal relationship with Jesus, who is also my personal Lord and Savior. Without Jesus, I am nothing, I would not exist, as I was created by God. God’s grace is sufficient. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “But he (Lord) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

I have one more photo to share, it was a special gift from my friends, Greg and Margaret. It’s a beautiful figurine of Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus. Lucky for me, it is on display year around in my living room.

The Birth of Jesus – Luke 2:1-21 (NIV)

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Saviorhas been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

²¹ On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Thank you for stopping by, I hope you come back tomorrow. I will be sharing about the “B Players” in the story of Advent and the birth of Jesus.

May you experience Hope, Peace, Joy and Love this Advent Season ~Charlotte ✨