Build Your Own Nativity Scene
Advent and Christmas 2020
You don’t need me to remind you that this year is strange. But, because of my role as Pastor, one of the things I notice most at this time is what it means to mark days and seasons and events and occasions with ‘physical distance’ between us. So far, we have been worshipping together online for 8 months. Parts of it have been surprisingly good – welcoming people who ordinarily live too far away to join us, having larger-than-normal choir participation, making use of technology to enhance worship through color and image and sound. But, of course, parts of it have been hard – not seeing each other in person, not sharing signs of Christ’s peace the way we are used to, not standing in the communion circle together.
As Advent approaches, there will be things we will have to adapt: Rather than our shared Advent Wreath in the sanctuary, we will each have our own at home. Rather than gathering in the sanctuary for the Community Christmas Celebration and the Blue Christmas service, we will find ways to have them online. And rather than build our Nativity Scene in the sanctuary, I thought maybe we’d each make our own at home.
As a woodworker, my first thought when it comes to ‘making’ something is to ‘build’ something. But, thanks to a good conversation with some ELCM students, I started thinking about how we might use things we already have in our homes to make a Nativity Scene, representing each of the characters (some recorded and some imagined) in Luke’s telling of the story in chapter 2 of his gospel.
The following pages represent my attempt at enabling us to do that ‘together’ from a distance. For each day, you’ll find a passage of scripture, a brief reflection, a prompt for assembling part of your Nativity Scene, a prompt for prayer, and a link to a hymn/carol. I hope you enjoy this.
Love and peace,
Pastor Greg
29 November
Space | The foundation
Luke 2:1-20. In those days, Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole Roman world. 2This first census took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All the people were instructed to go back to the towns of their birth to register. 4And so Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to “the city of David”— Bethlehem, in Judea, because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David; 5he went to register with Mary, his espoused wife, who was pregnant. 6While they were there, the time came for her delivery. 7She gave birth to her firstborn, a son; she put him in a simple cloth wrapped like a receiving blanket, and laid him in a feeding trough for cattle, because there was no room for them at the inn. 8There were shepherds in the area living in the fields and keeping night watch by turns over their flock. 9The angel of God appeared to them, and the glory of God shone around them; they were very much afraid. 10The angel said to them, “You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you—news of a great joy to be shared by the whole people. 11Today in David’s city, a savior — the Messiah, the Lord — has been born to you. 12Let this be a sign to you: you’ll find an infant wrapped in a simple cloth, lying in a manger.” 13Suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in high heaven! And on earth, peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.” 15When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see this event that God has made known to us.” 16They hurried and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger; 17once they saw this, they reported what they had been told concerning the child. 18All who heard about it were astonished at the report given by the shepherds. 19Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart. 20The shepherds went away glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told.
All of creation is sacred. Yet we set aside some spaces for specific things. On this first day of Advent, I invite you to simply plan out your space; out of all the space in the universe, seen and unseen, where will this drama unfold in your home? You’ll probably want a 3-foot by 3-foot area, to get everything in. There is nothing to add to the scene yet; just find the blank space.
Then, sit before your space, pray for this season that is just beginning, and sing, Each Winter as the Year Grows Older.
30 Nov
Augustus | The dominant political power
In those days, Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole Roman world. 2This first census took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
Caesar Augustus wielded great authority – at his word, people got up and moved. The story of Christ’s birth unfolds against that backdrop. What can you use to hem in the back of your Nativity that will represent the political backdrop to this story?
Place your item(s), pray for the world, then sit and sing, Once in Royal David’s City.
1 Dec
Home | What does home look like this year?
3All the people were instructed to go back to the towns of their birth to register.
Where are you spending these days? Is it where you would normally spend these days? How is it different? How is it the same? What reminders of homes – your childhood home, former homes, friends’ homes, family homes – can you bring to your Nativity Scene?
After you place your item(s), sit, pray, and sing, O, Little Town of Bethlehem.
2 Dec
Joseph | The protector
4And so Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to “the city of David”— Bethlehem, in Judea, because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David;
Joseph is often portrayed as the protector of the Holy Family, caring for Mary and for Jesus. What symbolizes protection or safety for you? Put that object/idea/word in Joseph’s place in your Nativity Scene.
After you place your item(s), sit, pray, and sing, When Joseph Went to Bethlehem.
3 Dec
Mary | Theotokos, Bearer of God
5he went to register with Mary, his espoused wife, who was pregnant. 6While they were there, the time came for her delivery. 7She gave birth to her firstborn, a son; she put him in a simple cloth wrapped like a receiving blanket,
Mary is the vessel of God’s incarnation – the finite bearing the infinite. What finite things bear the infinite to you? Find a vessel to place in your Nativity Scene in Mary’s place.
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.
4 Dec
Inn/Innkeeper | Disappointment
and laid him in a feeding trough for cattle, because there was no room for them at the inn.
Naturally, Mary and Joseph expected to find room in the inn; that’s what inns are for! But they didn’t find it, and that shapes the whole story. What represents an unfulfilled assumption that lies in the background of this story for you this year?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Lost in the Night.
5 Dec
Inn guests | In the way
and laid him in a feeding trough for cattle, because there was no room for them at the inn.
There was no room in the inn because the inn was full of other people. There was a census underway, after all. What do you find in your life that tries to crowd out the presence of Jesus, pushing him out to the stable? How can you represent that?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Be Thou My Vision.
6 Dec
Moon | The silent illuminator
Psalm 8 –
O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
to silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?
Yet you have made them a little lower than God,
and crowned them with glory and honour.
You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Sister Moon isn’t mentioned in the nativity story in Luke, but we might imagine her presence – bright but silent, almost unnoticed. Who or What doesn’t stand out as flashy, but has been an illuminating part of your spiritual life?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, As the Dark Awaits the Dawn
7 Dec
Shepherds | The first to hear
8There were shepherds in the area living in the fields
Shepherds weren’t the most respected members of the community, yet the good news of great joy comes to them first. Who, do you need to be reminded, are recipients of God’s grace, too? What surprising way do you see God at work?
Place ‘shepherds’ in your Nativity Scene, then sit, pray, and sing, The First Noel, 1-2
8 Dec
Sheep | What must they have thought?
and keeping night watch by turns over their flock.
Did the shepherds just abandon the sheep in the field? Did they leave someone to watch them? Did they bring them along with them? What will you bring along with you to the manger this year? What will you leave in the field? You might place multiple things today, then sit, pray, and sing, Will You Come and Follow Me?
9 Dec
Angel | The messenger
9The angel of God appeared to them,
From where does the news of God’s grace come to you regularly? What or Who is a messenger of God for you? How can you represent that in your Nativity Scene?
Then place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Angels We Have Heard on High.
10 Dec
Glory of the Lord | Hints of the Divine
and the glory of God shone around them; they were very much afraid.
What does the presence of God feel like to you? Is it a color? A temperature? A sensation? A movement? How can you represent the glory of the Lord shining in your Nativity Scene?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, And the Glory of the Lord.
11 Dec
The Whole People | All the world
10The angel said to them, “You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you—news of a great joy to be shared by the whole people.
The good news of Jesus is life and peace, justice and hope, love and grace, abundance and plenty. What people has this news not yet reached? Where does this good news have yet to travel? What injustice can it undo? What scarcity can it counteract? What hatred can it transform? How can you represent that?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, This Little Light of Mine.
12 Dec
City of David | Fulfillment
11Today in David’s city,
The City of David, Bethlehem, is the place from which the Christ was expected. It is the city that represents the lineage of King David, who was told his reign would not end. Jesus, the branch of David’s tree, represents the fulfillment of God’s promise. What else represents, to you, a promise fulfilled, faithfulness, trustworthiness?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Blessed Be the God of Israel.
13 Dec
Savior | The rescuer
a savior – the Messiah, the Lord —has been born to you.
Have you ever felt saved from something? From a mistake? An accident? A punishment? A bad decision? Some of what we need saving from can be accidental, but some is of our own doing. Jesus is Savior of the whole world, but also of you and me. How do you get in your own way? What would you ask Jesus to save you from? How do you experience God’s salvation? Find something that represents rescue.
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Hark, the Glad Sound!
14 Dec
Messiah | The Anointed One
a savior – the Messiah, the Lord —has been born to you.
The word Christ and the word Messiah are the same word in different languages – Greek and Hebrew for Anointed. Jesus bears this title as the one anointed by God to announce God’s grace and mercy. What represents anointing to you?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah
15 Dec
Lord | The one we follow
a savior — the Messiah, the Lord — has been born to you.
Earliest Christians had a very provocative statement of faith: “Jesus is Lord.” It might not seem all that outrageous to us now, but it has a similar connotation to the “Not My President” bumper stickers you sometimes see – declaring that Jesus is Lord is declaring that Caesar is not. We who follow Jesus proclaim with our lives that he is Lord. What, to you, represents following?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song.
16 Dec
Cloth bands | Receiving the Christ
12Let this be a sign to you: you’ll find an infant wrapped in a simple cloth,
When did you first hear the Good News of Jesus? (This might not be the same as the first time you heard of Jesus.) From whom did you first hear the Good News? How did you receive the Christ? Can you find something to represent receiving to place in your Nativity Scene?
Place your item(s) near where the manger will go tomorrow, then sit, pray, sing, Midnight Stars Make Bright the Skies.
17 Dec
Manger | Hospitality
lying in a manger.”
The innkeeper, unable to provide a room, used what was available to be of assistance. Though probably not the most sanitary or comfortable option, a place was provided for the guests in need. How have you shown or received hospitality, even in a very simple way? Find something that speaks of hospitality for you.
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, People, Look East.
18 Dec
Gloria | The song
13Suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in high heaven! And on earth, peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.”
Like a musical, the night is suddenly pierced by the sound of angels breaking into song. What kinds of artistic expressions speak to you of the Good News? How do you “sing” your joy? What is your equivalent of breaking out in song? What can you find that represents joy?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn.
19 Dec
Hurry | The exciting journey
15When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see this event that God has made known to us.” 16They hurried and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger;
They hurried! They didn’t mosey. They didn’t debate. They didn’t even seem to question if they’d all seen and heard the same thing. They just went. And they went with trust and hope. It must have sounded bizarre to them – Good news! A baby was born; He’s really important and you’ll know him because he’ll be the one in the barn… Huh. And, yet, they went. They hurried! What makes you come running?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly.
20 Dec
Straw, Cattle, Donkey | The animals
16They … found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger;
There’s only one reason to have a manger – to feed animals. (You might recognize words for eating in the word manger.) I don’t know if it was an intentional pun, but this manger is located in Beth-Lehem – the House of Bread. The undertones of eating and nourishment can’t be missed in this story. What animals do you want to bring to the story? What symbols of nourishment can you add?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Away in a Manger.
21 Dec
Birds | Nature’s choir
Song of Solomon 2:12 -- The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
“Let Heav’n and Nature Sing” – what in the natural world seems like it is rejoicing? What seems like it’s groaning? How can you represent that, the song of creation, in your Nativity Scene?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Joy to the World.
22 Dec
Date palms | The extras?
Isaiah 55:12 - For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
The area around Bethlehem is fertile. Among the things one sees there are palms; so many that they start to blend into the background. While not named in the story, imagine them standing there while all of this is going on. Who or What fades into the background for you, for us? Who is present, but not always accounted for? How can you add them to your Nativity Scene? Where will you put them?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Light Dawns on a Weary World.
23 Dec
All who heard it | The recipients
17once they saw this, they reported what they had been told concerning the child. 18All who heard about it were astonished at the report given by the shepherds. 19Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart. 20The shepherds went away glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told.
Who do you know personally who is in need of the Good News of God’s grace, peace, justice, mercy, freedom? Who’s weighed down by shame, greed, self-justification, or something else? Add them to the scene.
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Come Now, O Prince of Peace.
24 Dec
Jesus | Finally!
Luke 2:1-20. In those days, Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole Roman world. 2This first census took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All the people were instructed to go back to the towns of their birth to register. 4And so Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to “the city of David”— Bethlehem, in Judea, because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David; 5he went to register with Mary, his espoused wife, who was pregnant. 6While they were there, the time came for her delivery. 7She gave birth to her firstborn, a son; she put him in a simple cloth wrapped like a receiving blanket, and laid him in a feeding trough for cattle, because there was no room for them at the inn. 8There were shepherds in the area living in the fields and keeping night watch by turns over their flock. 9The angel of God appeared to them, and the glory of God shone around them; they were very much afraid. 10The angel said to them, “You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you—news of a great joy to be shared by the whole people. 11Today in David’s city, a savior — the Messiah, the Lord — has been born to you. 12Let this be a sign to you: you’ll find an infant wrapped in a simple cloth, lying in a manger.” 13Suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in high heaven! And on earth, peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.” 15When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see this event that God has made known to us.” 16They hurried and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger; 17once they saw this, they reported what they had been told concerning the child. 18All who heard about it were astonished at the report given by the shepherds. 19Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart. 20The shepherds went away glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told.
Advent has built up to this night, celebrating the birth of Christ. Of course, we aren’t surprised – we knew this is how the story would turn out. What represents to you the presence of God, the fulfillment of hope, the joy of Christmas? Spend some time thinking about how you might represent this, maybe with more than one thing. Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, All Earth Is Hopeful and other carols you like.
25 December – 5 January
The Twelve Days of Christmas | Take it all in
Luke 2:1-20. In those days, Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole Roman world. 2This first census took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All the people were instructed to go back to the towns of their birth to register. 4And so Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to “the city of David”— Bethlehem, in Judea, because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David; 5he went to register with Mary, his espoused wife, who was pregnant. 6While they were there, the time came for her delivery. 7She gave birth to her firstborn, a son; she put him in a simple cloth wrapped like a receiving blanket, and laid him in a feeding trough for cattle, because there was no room for them at the inn. 8There were shepherds in the area living in the fields and keeping night watch by turns over their flock. 9The angel of God appeared to them, and the glory of God shone around them; they were very much afraid. 10The angel said to them, “You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you—news of a great joy to be shared by the whole people. 11Today in David’s city, a savior — the Messiah, the Lord — has been born to you. 12Let this be a sign to you: you’ll find an infant wrapped in a simple cloth, lying in a manger.” 13Suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in high heaven! And on earth, peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.” 15When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see this event that God has made known to us.” 16They hurried and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger; 17once they saw this, they reported what they had been told concerning the child. 18All who heard about it were astonished at the report given by the shepherds. 19Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart. 20The shepherds went away glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told.
On each Day of Christmas (there are twelve), stop by your Nativity Scene and take it all in. Recall what each piece means. Consider what else you want to add. Spend time each day with your Nativity Scene and with God in prayer. While you’re at it, you might as well sing some carols. Here’s one to get you started: Love Has Come.
5/6 January | Twelfthnight
Will you disassemble your Nativity Scene? Will you leave it up? Can you remember what each part symbolizes? You might use the previous pages to remind yourself. I invite you, whether you are putting it away or leaving it up, to pray your way back through the whole scene. Pray for those who are overlooked. Pray for the gift of hospitality. Pray for artists. Pray for a renewed sense of what is important. Etc.
Please take a picture of your Nativity Scene and send it to me, with or without explanation. With your permission, I’d like to share the pictures with others.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Greg
Advent and Christmas 2020
You don’t need me to remind you that this year is strange. But, because of my role as Pastor, one of the things I notice most at this time is what it means to mark days and seasons and events and occasions with ‘physical distance’ between us. So far, we have been worshipping together online for 8 months. Parts of it have been surprisingly good – welcoming people who ordinarily live too far away to join us, having larger-than-normal choir participation, making use of technology to enhance worship through color and image and sound. But, of course, parts of it have been hard – not seeing each other in person, not sharing signs of Christ’s peace the way we are used to, not standing in the communion circle together.
As Advent approaches, there will be things we will have to adapt: Rather than our shared Advent Wreath in the sanctuary, we will each have our own at home. Rather than gathering in the sanctuary for the Community Christmas Celebration and the Blue Christmas service, we will find ways to have them online. And rather than build our Nativity Scene in the sanctuary, I thought maybe we’d each make our own at home.
As a woodworker, my first thought when it comes to ‘making’ something is to ‘build’ something. But, thanks to a good conversation with some ELCM students, I started thinking about how we might use things we already have in our homes to make a Nativity Scene, representing each of the characters (some recorded and some imagined) in Luke’s telling of the story in chapter 2 of his gospel.
The following pages represent my attempt at enabling us to do that ‘together’ from a distance. For each day, you’ll find a passage of scripture, a brief reflection, a prompt for assembling part of your Nativity Scene, a prompt for prayer, and a link to a hymn/carol. I hope you enjoy this.
Love and peace,
Pastor Greg
29 November
Space | The foundation
Luke 2:1-20. In those days, Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole Roman world. 2This first census took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All the people were instructed to go back to the towns of their birth to register. 4And so Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to “the city of David”— Bethlehem, in Judea, because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David; 5he went to register with Mary, his espoused wife, who was pregnant. 6While they were there, the time came for her delivery. 7She gave birth to her firstborn, a son; she put him in a simple cloth wrapped like a receiving blanket, and laid him in a feeding trough for cattle, because there was no room for them at the inn. 8There were shepherds in the area living in the fields and keeping night watch by turns over their flock. 9The angel of God appeared to them, and the glory of God shone around them; they were very much afraid. 10The angel said to them, “You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you—news of a great joy to be shared by the whole people. 11Today in David’s city, a savior — the Messiah, the Lord — has been born to you. 12Let this be a sign to you: you’ll find an infant wrapped in a simple cloth, lying in a manger.” 13Suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in high heaven! And on earth, peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.” 15When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see this event that God has made known to us.” 16They hurried and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger; 17once they saw this, they reported what they had been told concerning the child. 18All who heard about it were astonished at the report given by the shepherds. 19Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart. 20The shepherds went away glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told.
All of creation is sacred. Yet we set aside some spaces for specific things. On this first day of Advent, I invite you to simply plan out your space; out of all the space in the universe, seen and unseen, where will this drama unfold in your home? You’ll probably want a 3-foot by 3-foot area, to get everything in. There is nothing to add to the scene yet; just find the blank space.
Then, sit before your space, pray for this season that is just beginning, and sing, Each Winter as the Year Grows Older.
30 Nov
Augustus | The dominant political power
In those days, Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole Roman world. 2This first census took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
Caesar Augustus wielded great authority – at his word, people got up and moved. The story of Christ’s birth unfolds against that backdrop. What can you use to hem in the back of your Nativity that will represent the political backdrop to this story?
Place your item(s), pray for the world, then sit and sing, Once in Royal David’s City.
1 Dec
Home | What does home look like this year?
3All the people were instructed to go back to the towns of their birth to register.
Where are you spending these days? Is it where you would normally spend these days? How is it different? How is it the same? What reminders of homes – your childhood home, former homes, friends’ homes, family homes – can you bring to your Nativity Scene?
After you place your item(s), sit, pray, and sing, O, Little Town of Bethlehem.
2 Dec
Joseph | The protector
4And so Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to “the city of David”— Bethlehem, in Judea, because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David;
Joseph is often portrayed as the protector of the Holy Family, caring for Mary and for Jesus. What symbolizes protection or safety for you? Put that object/idea/word in Joseph’s place in your Nativity Scene.
After you place your item(s), sit, pray, and sing, When Joseph Went to Bethlehem.
3 Dec
Mary | Theotokos, Bearer of God
5he went to register with Mary, his espoused wife, who was pregnant. 6While they were there, the time came for her delivery. 7She gave birth to her firstborn, a son; she put him in a simple cloth wrapped like a receiving blanket,
Mary is the vessel of God’s incarnation – the finite bearing the infinite. What finite things bear the infinite to you? Find a vessel to place in your Nativity Scene in Mary’s place.
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came.
4 Dec
Inn/Innkeeper | Disappointment
and laid him in a feeding trough for cattle, because there was no room for them at the inn.
Naturally, Mary and Joseph expected to find room in the inn; that’s what inns are for! But they didn’t find it, and that shapes the whole story. What represents an unfulfilled assumption that lies in the background of this story for you this year?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Lost in the Night.
5 Dec
Inn guests | In the way
and laid him in a feeding trough for cattle, because there was no room for them at the inn.
There was no room in the inn because the inn was full of other people. There was a census underway, after all. What do you find in your life that tries to crowd out the presence of Jesus, pushing him out to the stable? How can you represent that?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Be Thou My Vision.
6 Dec
Moon | The silent illuminator
Psalm 8 –
O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and infants
you have founded a bulwark because of your foes,
to silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are human beings that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?
Yet you have made them a little lower than God,
and crowned them with glory and honour.
You have given them dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under their feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Sister Moon isn’t mentioned in the nativity story in Luke, but we might imagine her presence – bright but silent, almost unnoticed. Who or What doesn’t stand out as flashy, but has been an illuminating part of your spiritual life?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, As the Dark Awaits the Dawn
7 Dec
Shepherds | The first to hear
8There were shepherds in the area living in the fields
Shepherds weren’t the most respected members of the community, yet the good news of great joy comes to them first. Who, do you need to be reminded, are recipients of God’s grace, too? What surprising way do you see God at work?
Place ‘shepherds’ in your Nativity Scene, then sit, pray, and sing, The First Noel, 1-2
8 Dec
Sheep | What must they have thought?
and keeping night watch by turns over their flock.
Did the shepherds just abandon the sheep in the field? Did they leave someone to watch them? Did they bring them along with them? What will you bring along with you to the manger this year? What will you leave in the field? You might place multiple things today, then sit, pray, and sing, Will You Come and Follow Me?
9 Dec
Angel | The messenger
9The angel of God appeared to them,
From where does the news of God’s grace come to you regularly? What or Who is a messenger of God for you? How can you represent that in your Nativity Scene?
Then place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Angels We Have Heard on High.
10 Dec
Glory of the Lord | Hints of the Divine
and the glory of God shone around them; they were very much afraid.
What does the presence of God feel like to you? Is it a color? A temperature? A sensation? A movement? How can you represent the glory of the Lord shining in your Nativity Scene?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, And the Glory of the Lord.
11 Dec
The Whole People | All the world
10The angel said to them, “You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you—news of a great joy to be shared by the whole people.
The good news of Jesus is life and peace, justice and hope, love and grace, abundance and plenty. What people has this news not yet reached? Where does this good news have yet to travel? What injustice can it undo? What scarcity can it counteract? What hatred can it transform? How can you represent that?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, This Little Light of Mine.
12 Dec
City of David | Fulfillment
11Today in David’s city,
The City of David, Bethlehem, is the place from which the Christ was expected. It is the city that represents the lineage of King David, who was told his reign would not end. Jesus, the branch of David’s tree, represents the fulfillment of God’s promise. What else represents, to you, a promise fulfilled, faithfulness, trustworthiness?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Blessed Be the God of Israel.
13 Dec
Savior | The rescuer
a savior – the Messiah, the Lord —has been born to you.
Have you ever felt saved from something? From a mistake? An accident? A punishment? A bad decision? Some of what we need saving from can be accidental, but some is of our own doing. Jesus is Savior of the whole world, but also of you and me. How do you get in your own way? What would you ask Jesus to save you from? How do you experience God’s salvation? Find something that represents rescue.
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Hark, the Glad Sound!
14 Dec
Messiah | The Anointed One
a savior – the Messiah, the Lord —has been born to you.
The word Christ and the word Messiah are the same word in different languages – Greek and Hebrew for Anointed. Jesus bears this title as the one anointed by God to announce God’s grace and mercy. What represents anointing to you?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah
15 Dec
Lord | The one we follow
a savior — the Messiah, the Lord — has been born to you.
Earliest Christians had a very provocative statement of faith: “Jesus is Lord.” It might not seem all that outrageous to us now, but it has a similar connotation to the “Not My President” bumper stickers you sometimes see – declaring that Jesus is Lord is declaring that Caesar is not. We who follow Jesus proclaim with our lives that he is Lord. What, to you, represents following?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song.
16 Dec
Cloth bands | Receiving the Christ
12Let this be a sign to you: you’ll find an infant wrapped in a simple cloth,
When did you first hear the Good News of Jesus? (This might not be the same as the first time you heard of Jesus.) From whom did you first hear the Good News? How did you receive the Christ? Can you find something to represent receiving to place in your Nativity Scene?
Place your item(s) near where the manger will go tomorrow, then sit, pray, sing, Midnight Stars Make Bright the Skies.
17 Dec
Manger | Hospitality
lying in a manger.”
The innkeeper, unable to provide a room, used what was available to be of assistance. Though probably not the most sanitary or comfortable option, a place was provided for the guests in need. How have you shown or received hospitality, even in a very simple way? Find something that speaks of hospitality for you.
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, People, Look East.
18 Dec
Gloria | The song
13Suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in high heaven! And on earth, peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.”
Like a musical, the night is suddenly pierced by the sound of angels breaking into song. What kinds of artistic expressions speak to you of the Good News? How do you “sing” your joy? What is your equivalent of breaking out in song? What can you find that represents joy?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn.
19 Dec
Hurry | The exciting journey
15When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see this event that God has made known to us.” 16They hurried and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger;
They hurried! They didn’t mosey. They didn’t debate. They didn’t even seem to question if they’d all seen and heard the same thing. They just went. And they went with trust and hope. It must have sounded bizarre to them – Good news! A baby was born; He’s really important and you’ll know him because he’ll be the one in the barn… Huh. And, yet, they went. They hurried! What makes you come running?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Infant Holy, Infant Lowly.
20 Dec
Straw, Cattle, Donkey | The animals
16They … found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger;
There’s only one reason to have a manger – to feed animals. (You might recognize words for eating in the word manger.) I don’t know if it was an intentional pun, but this manger is located in Beth-Lehem – the House of Bread. The undertones of eating and nourishment can’t be missed in this story. What animals do you want to bring to the story? What symbols of nourishment can you add?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Away in a Manger.
21 Dec
Birds | Nature’s choir
Song of Solomon 2:12 -- The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
“Let Heav’n and Nature Sing” – what in the natural world seems like it is rejoicing? What seems like it’s groaning? How can you represent that, the song of creation, in your Nativity Scene?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Joy to the World.
22 Dec
Date palms | The extras?
Isaiah 55:12 - For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress; instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle; and it shall be to the Lord for a memorial, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
The area around Bethlehem is fertile. Among the things one sees there are palms; so many that they start to blend into the background. While not named in the story, imagine them standing there while all of this is going on. Who or What fades into the background for you, for us? Who is present, but not always accounted for? How can you add them to your Nativity Scene? Where will you put them?
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Light Dawns on a Weary World.
23 Dec
All who heard it | The recipients
17once they saw this, they reported what they had been told concerning the child. 18All who heard about it were astonished at the report given by the shepherds. 19Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart. 20The shepherds went away glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told.
Who do you know personally who is in need of the Good News of God’s grace, peace, justice, mercy, freedom? Who’s weighed down by shame, greed, self-justification, or something else? Add them to the scene.
Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, Come Now, O Prince of Peace.
24 Dec
Jesus | Finally!
Luke 2:1-20. In those days, Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole Roman world. 2This first census took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All the people were instructed to go back to the towns of their birth to register. 4And so Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to “the city of David”— Bethlehem, in Judea, because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David; 5he went to register with Mary, his espoused wife, who was pregnant. 6While they were there, the time came for her delivery. 7She gave birth to her firstborn, a son; she put him in a simple cloth wrapped like a receiving blanket, and laid him in a feeding trough for cattle, because there was no room for them at the inn. 8There were shepherds in the area living in the fields and keeping night watch by turns over their flock. 9The angel of God appeared to them, and the glory of God shone around them; they were very much afraid. 10The angel said to them, “You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you—news of a great joy to be shared by the whole people. 11Today in David’s city, a savior — the Messiah, the Lord — has been born to you. 12Let this be a sign to you: you’ll find an infant wrapped in a simple cloth, lying in a manger.” 13Suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in high heaven! And on earth, peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.” 15When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see this event that God has made known to us.” 16They hurried and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger; 17once they saw this, they reported what they had been told concerning the child. 18All who heard about it were astonished at the report given by the shepherds. 19Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart. 20The shepherds went away glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told.
Advent has built up to this night, celebrating the birth of Christ. Of course, we aren’t surprised – we knew this is how the story would turn out. What represents to you the presence of God, the fulfillment of hope, the joy of Christmas? Spend some time thinking about how you might represent this, maybe with more than one thing. Place your item(s), then sit, pray, and sing, All Earth Is Hopeful and other carols you like.
25 December – 5 January
The Twelve Days of Christmas | Take it all in
Luke 2:1-20. In those days, Caesar Augustus published a decree ordering a census of the whole Roman world. 2This first census took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All the people were instructed to go back to the towns of their birth to register. 4And so Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to “the city of David”— Bethlehem, in Judea, because Joseph was of the house and lineage of David; 5he went to register with Mary, his espoused wife, who was pregnant. 6While they were there, the time came for her delivery. 7She gave birth to her firstborn, a son; she put him in a simple cloth wrapped like a receiving blanket, and laid him in a feeding trough for cattle, because there was no room for them at the inn. 8There were shepherds in the area living in the fields and keeping night watch by turns over their flock. 9The angel of God appeared to them, and the glory of God shone around them; they were very much afraid. 10The angel said to them, “You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you—news of a great joy to be shared by the whole people. 11Today in David’s city, a savior — the Messiah, the Lord — has been born to you. 12Let this be a sign to you: you’ll find an infant wrapped in a simple cloth, lying in a manger.” 13Suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in high heaven! And on earth, peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.” 15When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see this event that God has made known to us.” 16They hurried and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger; 17once they saw this, they reported what they had been told concerning the child. 18All who heard about it were astonished at the report given by the shepherds. 19Mary treasured all these things and reflected on them in her heart. 20The shepherds went away glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told.
On each Day of Christmas (there are twelve), stop by your Nativity Scene and take it all in. Recall what each piece means. Consider what else you want to add. Spend time each day with your Nativity Scene and with God in prayer. While you’re at it, you might as well sing some carols. Here’s one to get you started: Love Has Come.
5/6 January | Twelfthnight
Will you disassemble your Nativity Scene? Will you leave it up? Can you remember what each part symbolizes? You might use the previous pages to remind yourself. I invite you, whether you are putting it away or leaving it up, to pray your way back through the whole scene. Pray for those who are overlooked. Pray for the gift of hospitality. Pray for artists. Pray for a renewed sense of what is important. Etc.
Please take a picture of your Nativity Scene and send it to me, with or without explanation. With your permission, I’d like to share the pictures with others.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Greg