Nativities

Each year when I get out my nativity scenes, I am taken on a journey down memory lane!  

From the Silk Market in Krakow, Poland where crèches are bright and shiny

To a  little shop in Reykjavik, Iceland where I put together my own nativity from felt ornaments.

I remember going to a workshop for handicapped adults in Nairobi, Kenya and purchasing a nativity made by these men and women who were trying to support themselves.

This one came from China.  The Chinese lettering says, "The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shone." Isaiah 9:2

Obviously made by a Christian in China.

The tall figures at the back are from Swaziland. All their faces look the same, except Mary and the angel don't have beards.  There is one with llamas from Peru.  A ceramic scene from Valencia, Spain.  One embellished in 'silver' from Ecuador.  And another that has familiar lyrics from Christmas carols written on each figure.

"Each crèche witnesses Jesus Christ and His blessing every nation, kindred, tongue and people.

We love that God's children everywhere depict the baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men, shepherds, and animals with settings, features and details that are familiar, relatable.

These crèches also remind us God loves all His children; we see God's love in the features of our crèches and nativities wherever they come from." 

Elder Gerrit W Gong

Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Elder Gong's words at a recent Christmas Devotional help me realize just why I love each scene so much.  

The variety, the beauty of each one help me remember how Jesus came to earth for each person.  And that He truly loves all with whom I have come in contact in every nation of the world!

"And still is found, the world around,

The old and hallowed story,

And still is sung in every tongue

The angels' song of glory.

Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna to his name!

The Heavenly Star its rays afar

On every land is throwing

And shall not cease til holy peace

In all the earth is growing.

Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna to his hame!