Luke 2:16-19

The nativity is more than painted ceramic figurines adorning a table, or a set of plastic dolls dressed as lawn decor. And while this Christmas symbol serves as a good reminder of the very first Christmas, how many times do we merely unpack the pieces from boxes stored in the attic without giving it a second thought. Does the nativity just get lost in the shuffle with the Christmas village and the Santa dolls?

I confess I have been guilty of decorating on a whim without reflecting on the depth of the nativity's meaning.

"So they (the shepherds) hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." -Luke 2:16-19