Connecting with the manger…where will you go?
The first year I brought my children to the live nativity at Mt. Bethel I had hopes of a deep rich spiritual connection for my family. The December night air was crisp and cool, and my husband and I began to share the story with our children as we approached the humble manger scene. As we walked up to the cradle we realized our children were both distracted by other activity around the manger. My son was fascinated with the chicken, and later cried because the chicken wouldn’t stop running so he could pick it up and love on it. My daughter was enjoying the warmth from a little pit fire close by, and visiting with friends. Not the connection I had hoped for at all that night at the live nativity.
As I watched my children I began to reflect on my personal experience with the live nativity. As a child I was amazed by the angel and thought that was the miracle of the story. When I met Jesus for the first time I made a connection with the baby in the cradle. The precious Christ child, Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords, King of Kings. When I became a mother I connected with Mary, the mother of Jesus. I could imagine the earthly love she had for her Son as she watched his lips curl in a smile, his little feet take their first steps, his hand hold hers. I cried for her thinking about the final days she would share with her son and the events that would take place on the road to the cross.
As my spiritual journey continued, I connected with the events of this precious night in history that would change the world forever. The reason for Christmas, the gift of hope and peace for the entire world, lie in the wooden cradle on a stable floor. I know how the story ends, that precious baby represents my savior, my Jesus. I know his blood will be shed on the cross for my sins. I know the victory of the empty tomb on Easter morning. I know the love of God the Father is eternal and everlasting: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
This year I wonder where the nativity will take me? Will it be the simplicity of the night? The only sparkling and twinkling lights will be those placed in the sky by God the Father. The only sound will be of the animals and the baby. The only focus will be on the hope that lies in the manger, the true gift of Christmas…the baby Jesus.
How will you connect this Christmas season with the live nativity? Join us Wednesday December 19-Friday December 21 from 6:30-8:00 pm in the front parking lot for the live nativity. Where will it take you?
Merry Christmas!
Sherri Juliani
Elementary Coordinator, Children’s Ministries
