Nativity Scene

I recall as a child my siblings and I receiving a ‘lift the flap’ storybook in the shape of Noah’s ark. It was fun to open the little windows and see inside the ark. Thankfully children’s Bible storybooks often simplify the biblical accounts found within scriptures. So, while we children thought Noah gathered only two of every kind of animal, as an adult I would come to understand his ark manifest was a bit more detailed: “Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female” Genesis 7:2 (KJV). The traditional nativity scene depicting the birth of Christ is no different.

The history of our much loved traditional nativity scene can be found in the Smithsonian Magazine short essay “The Nativity Scene Was Created in 1223“. As well, during the week long series, Kenneth & Gloria Copeland of Believer’s Voice of Victory joined by their daughter, Kellie Copeland, dig deeper into the biblical history behind our traditional nativity scene.

Many details including time frames, locations, and the wise men’s visit have been composited into one very special night. And that’s absolutely okay by me. Our much loved and traditional nativity scene gathers all the essential, historical and biblical details together for us to reflect, to celebrate, and to honor the much awaited birth of Christ, our Lord and Savior.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11 (KJV).

Image by Christoph Meinersmann from Pixabay

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INSPIRATIONAL

Come, Follow That Star

December 25, 2020December 25, 2020 taylorjamesalbert

As children we looked forward to the holidays, especially Christmas. It seemed as if each day, Thanksgiving through Christmas, included some form of holiday festivities, whether a pageant, party or family gathering, decorating or viewing Christmas lights, Christmas specials on TV,…my Christmas memories will forever remain magical. Yes, we believed in Santa Claus. And, once we discovered his real identity, we kept his secret so as not to spoil the magic for our youngest sister.

Being reared in a Christian home we also celebrated the true meaning of Christmas. There was no confusion, no emotional or mental damage done by our parents sharing with us kids their faith in God and the virgin birth, along with the magical and imaginary side of the holidays. Our childhood was safe and secure, innocent, creative, fun,…and filled with hope and love.

While I recall our family watching the traditional Christmas movies together, we kids especially looked forward to the animated Christmas specials such as “A Charlie Brown Christmas“, “How The Grinch Stole Christmas“, “Rudolph, The Red- Nosed Reindeer“, “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town“, “Frosty the Snowman“,… I also remember watching “The Little Drummer Boy” and “The Littlest Angel“. As an adult I discovered “Christmas In Connecticut” and was delighted to find the DVD included a short, black and white 1945 film entitled “Star in the Night“. I highly recommend spending the twenty-two minutes to enjoy this Christmas Eve drama with your family as Nick Catapoli discovers his star’s true purpose.

Christmas Blessings!

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” Luke 2:8-14 (KJV).

Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay

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MARRIAGE STANDING

The Lonely Stander’s Heartache

December 18, 2020January 23, 2021 taylorjamesalbert

While standing for marriage is not new, it is a somewhat misunderstood and often very lonely experience. Having discovered Rejoice Marriage Ministries brought like-minded men and women into my life, if only from afar. While returned prodigal, Bob Steinkamp, has been in Heaven now for several years, Charlyne Steinkamp and family faithfully continue on with the ministry which God forged from their own marital issues and eventual restoration.

Bob Steinkamp wrote a fictional Christmas story about standing for marriage which allows us to see inside not only the stander’s heart, but the prodigal’s as well. While my heart is warmed each time I reread “Millie’s Christmas”, I no longer find my heart aching as it once did, largely due in part to Rejoice Marriage Ministries. With much appreciation to Rejoice Marriage Ministries and their generously allowing me to share, please take a moment to read this light yet heartwarming story of a prodigal spouse’s holiday homecoming.