The nativity scene is arranged on our hearth. My eyes are drawn to it in the quiet of the morning, to the Baby swaddled in the feeding trough, realizing this is just a snap shot, that from this Child grows a Man.
There’s a well that comes with our crèche. I didn’t know where to place it and so it sits off to the side. This morning my gaze moves from the Baby to the well. Even at this quiet newborn scene there is already a meeting scheduled at the well.
Suddenly two additional arrangements appear in my mind. Combined with the first, these three scenes give more meaning of the Christmas story.
Scene One: Already depicted, but with the well off to the side of Mary, Joseph, shepherds, kings. All eyes captivated by Jesus. Inscribed across the manger post:
“Immanuel, God with us, come to save His people from their sins” (Mt 1:21)
Scene Two: Jesus, grown, sits at a well. A Samaritan woman approaches alone to fill jars in the heat of high noon. His eyes fixed on her, His hands cradle a cup. It is time for their meeting.
Soon her whole village will come seeking forgiveness of sin from the Messiah, all would partake of the Living Water, but for this moment He is going to impart understanding to a sister trapped in darkness. She is going to turn and be healed. (Mt 13:15) Truly our God is so personal! He meets us one on one. On the base of this scene is etched
“God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” (Jn 3:17)
Scene Three: A locked door, on the table a cup poured out, in the shadows sit the disciples; hands outstretched; eyes wide before a risen Jesus. His hands are pierced, side sliced through. He leans close and breathes on them. On the base of this scene is written
“Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven…”(John 20:22-23)
Our God always with us. Immanuel. Immanuel. Saved through Him. Empowered in Him. Commissioned by Him.
Visions of these scenes cause me To rejoice. To remember. To refocus. Formed from the dust of the earth, I have been given the Breath of Life. My calendar too has been filled with appointments not written by my own hand. I walk about my day and see in those around me- at the store, on the street, next door- hearts crying, “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off” (Ez 37:11). And I pray “O Lord, Breath on these slain that they may live!” (Ez 37:9). I know the Name in which the nations will find their hope. And out of such abundance of my heart my mouth should speak (Mt 12:21,34): “God is with us! There is now no condemnation for He has redeemed us to freedom and purpose! He has come to meet us where we are, to unlock the doors of fear and darkness, to offer Living Water and the Breath of Life.”
The story moves and flows from a calendar, to a manger, a well, a cup, the unlocking of doors. Unconventional season decorations that prompt my spirit and challenge me forward.
Amen! Thanks for sharing your unconventional decorations with us. Good stuff! Blessings.
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Thanks Mel, His blessings this Christmas!
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Wow. I’ve never seen a nativity set with a well. That is so cool. Also has a lot of Old Testament scenes tied up with wells. The source of life! Living water!
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I know! I picked it up years ago. It was just the manger and accessories, no people. It always seemed so random, but this year it is tying Old Testament to New Testament and the birth of Jesus to future appointments of His. It has become a central symbol!
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