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“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
What were we doing that night in the furniture store? We weren’t looking for nativity scenes. But there they were—two sets. Simple, wooden nativities. How would you even describe them? Danish? Primitive? Early plywood? “Simple” was the operative word.
There were two sets in the basket, so we picked one and brought it home. That Christmas, as we started setting up the manger scene, we realized that we had two of the same wise man and no Joseph. So one wise man had his gift sawed off and became our Joseph. It is helpful to have the correct cast for this story.
One of the best things about this nativity was that it was perfect for our children to play with. Early in the Advent season, the manger was empty. Camels roamed the house. Sheep grazed under tables—some with shepherds, some without. All were waiting for the story to unfold. Travels to Bethlehem would soon commence.
Baby Jesus was tucked away, waiting for the right moment to appear. Every year we worried we would lose the tiny baby figurine and end up with an empty manger. There’s something missing when you have camels, sheep, shepherds, wise men, and even an angel … but no baby Jesus.
As the years went on, we learned that the shepherds and the kings didn’t even arrive on the same day as the baby. So, it turns out there is still a lot to learn about the story we thought we knew so well.
That said, I still cherish our simple, wooden nativity. It reminds me every year of the seemingly simple—but oh so complex—impact of that tiny baby arriving in this world. I love the strength of our wooden nativity set, something we can touch, hold, and see, yet (almost) never break. It is a plain nativity, one that grows worn and beloved with time. It is an unassuming nativity set that makes us wonder whether we will be able to find Him this year… or, when the baby finally does arrive, what He will mean in our lives this year.
Dear God,
Thank you for sending your Son into this troubled world. Please help us open our eyes and hearts to see His presence each day.
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