Who is the Center of Your Nativity Scene?

A few years ago, my wife invited a mom and her preschool daughter to our home to help decorate for Christmas. She asked the young girl if she would place the Nativity scene figures in a small stable that was sitting on an end table near our sofa. The little girl smiled upon hearing the opportunity. She looked carefully at each piece before placing the Baby Jesus figure, who was of course lying in a manger, in the center of the stable. Then, she slowly placed Mary and Joseph, the animals, the shepherds, the wise men, and finally, the angel.

Sounds pretty normal, right? Most people would probably use the same process.

Except… 

Instead of facing the figures outward, this young girl placed them facing the center of the stable.

I remember thinking, “What has she done? These characters aren’t facing the people who will be looking at the nativity scene. They look like they’re just focused on Jesus.”

Then, I realized that she had it right. Jesus is the center of the story. It’s all about Him. Why would the figures look at anything or anyone else but Him? 

That’s a good life lesson for us all as well. This year, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus. Let’s make Christmas all about Him.

Nativity Maturity

Nativity

A week or two ago, my wife invited a mom and her preschool daughter to our home, to decorate for the upcoming holiday and for Christmas cookies. She asked the young girl if she would place the Nativity scene pieces in a small stable that was sitting on an end table near the sofa. 

The girl looked carefully at the figures and at the stable, then began by placing the Baby Jesus figure, lying in a manger, in the center of the stable. Then, she placed Mary and Joseph, the animals, the shepherds, the wise men, and finally, the angel.

Sounds pretty normal, right? Most adults would do the same thing.

Except… 

The little girl placed all of the figures facing inside the inside center of the stable instead of facing outward.

When I saw the Nativity scene, I thought, “What is this? No one can see the characters because they’re all looking at Jesus.”

Then, I realized that the little girl had it right. Jesus is the center of the story. It’s all about Him. Why would anyone look at anything or anyone else?

Lord, this year, help us to fix our eyes on Jesus. Help us make the Christmas season all about Him.