Seasons are more than weather intervals. They dictate school schedules, what produce you can find on the grocery store shelves, and (for some) inform fashion choices for Sunday morning worship. Moreover, seasons carry with them special days of celebrating and remembering. Advent is one of those seasons – and is certainly one of the most joyful.
I always look forward to pulling out my Christmas decorations each year. Because I am an avid rule-follower, I withhold decorating until after Thanksgiving. Black Friday is more like Red, Green, and Sparkle Friday at my house. But when that day rolls around, I flip on Christmas music, (admittedly) dance around the house, and start placing all my Christmas treasures in their earmarked spots.
The tree is traditionally the last frill to be completed at my house, but the second-to-last trimming is my favorite piece to put out each Advent season – my nativity set. As I carefully remove each piece from its opaque cardboard boxes and unwind the plastic wrapping, I am reminded what this season is all about. I think about that night in Bethlehem when a young woman and her betrothed chose to trust God even in uncharted waters, and helped to bring the Savior into this world to change it forever.
Once each animal, angel, wise man, and shepherd is in place, I put the Holy Family in the center of the scene and reflect on not only the Christmas story, but the entire Gospel. I am reminded that even in this most joyous time, Mary and Joseph had to endure a heavy burden, judgment from others, and ultimately see Jesus’s suffering on the cross. In many ways this emulates each of our lives, that even in times of sorrow we can find joy. Even in a dark season of our lives, Christ is the shining light that changes the world.
My nativity sits in a prominent place in my living room – a place where I see it nearly first thing when I walk in the door. It serves as a tangible reminder of what we as Christians are celebrating during this Advent season: that even in a world full of darkness, Christ was born in Bethlehem and through Him we are all saved!
Beth Armstrong, Director of Welcoming Ministry
