Monday, March 26, 2012

GROWING THROUGH LENT - HELP THOSE IN NEED


GROWING THROUGH LENT - HELP THOSE IN NEED

As we study the Gospels (as recommended last week), we see countless examples of Jesus helping those around Him:

                                    If they needed to speak, He stopped and listened.

                                                If people were sick, He healed them.

If they needed knowledge, He taught them.


As we move into the book of Acts, we see how the newly formed ‘church’ used their time, talent, and treasures to help those in their communities who were without.

So as we start to grow in our faith, we are encouraged to follow the model of Christ and His followers in helping those around us.

We posted the question, “How do you use your time, talents, or treasures ($$$ or resources) to help those around you?” on several Facebook forums. Here are some of our responses (edited for space):

H.W.   My friends and I sing at three different senior homes once a month (volunteering). When there are needs, I pray for people whom I do not know ... I teach children from low income families free piano lessons. I drive widows to grocery shopping or doctor's appointments ... I donate money to support (music) ministries.

A.S.   I work at a hospital, changing undergarments, checking vitals, making my patients happy.

H.H.   I volunteer with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (Canada). We prepare (free) income tax returns for people with limited income. I expect to complete between 75-100 during March and April, 2012.

H.G.H.   I'm part of a team of pastoral visitors at St. Christopher's Church, and I help with our senior's luncheons.

A.K.O.   I write and create art daily for my blog that inspires others … I tithe to my church; I give to causes like the SPCA and the United Way. This evening, I spent a few hours to support and comfort friends who lost their mother.

B.S…. I teach art to adults … I welcome people to the Library and help them find what they need ... I make great signage that informs, instructs, directs to support others in finding what they are looking for! I smile a lot and spread sunshine wherever I go! :)

One person finished their response with this: I am just sharing God's blessings and all glory goes to our Lord Jesus Christ.

We encourage you to take a few moments today to think about your time, treasure, and talents, and how you might use them to help those in your community or abroad.

This is the final post for our Growing Through Lent co-blog.

Thank you for joining us on our Lenten journey.


Monday, March 19, 2012

GROWING THROUGH LENT – READING THE BIBLE


GROWING THROUGH LENT – READING THE BIBLE

(This Lent, my daughter Allison Lynn and I are co-blogging! You can find our posts every Monday at my Blog and Allison’s Blog. Visit, comment, share, and most importantly, feel free to join us in the journey.)

            “Don’t get hung up on the actual words in the Bible; get hung up on the messages conveyed by the words of the Bible.”

            “Treat the Bible like any other book, and you will discover it’s not like any other book.”

            The church encourages us to read the Bible daily, and extra during Lent.

            The Book of Alternative Services (BAS) - the contemporary prayer book of the Anglican Church of Canada - invites us to have a holy Lent “by reading and meditating on the word of God.”

            This means more than just speed reading the text. It entails thinking about the passage, searching for its message and then applying it to our daily living. Some may recall having to memorize the Sunday prayer or collect (BAS page 391), which assured us that the Bible was “written for our learning”, and we need to “hear, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest” Holy Scriptures.

            For Christians, the four Gospels are the foundation of faith. It describes the life of Jesus Christ - his birth, youth and adult years, culminating in his death, resurrection and ascension. It also contains the teachings of Jesus – describing what God is like and providing principles upon which people should model their lives mirroring the Master’s example.

                        The other New Testament writings, mostly letters, attempt to clarify the teachings of Jesus and answer practical questions posed by adherents of the newly found faith. The writers, recognizing the persecution being unleashed towards the Christians, encouraged them to remain faithful and stay the course. God has not abandoned them and in the final analysis, they will receive their eternal reward.

            The Old Testament rounds out the triad or trinity of scriptures.  It gives an account of our human development and illustrates how religion, culture, politics and history are often interwoven in the lives of people – sometimes too much. Yet to understand where we are now, we need to delve into the past to decipher how God acts and reacts with humans.

            We are suggesting that you read John’s Gospel during Lent - maybe reading the last chapters first in order to better understand what Jesus did, and how his life and teaching reflected why he did what he did.

            As always, we encourage your thoughts in the comment space below.




Monday, March 12, 2012

GROWING THROUGH LENT – PRAY


GROWING THROUGH LENT – PRAY

Rarely does a daily paper mention the word “prayer” or its effect in people’s lives. However, when praying gets mentioned twice on the same day, we must take notice.

The two stories were featured in the INSIGHT section of the Toronto Star on Sunday, March 4, 2012.

The first related to eco-warrior Wiebo Ludwig in Alberta, who was talking about his approaching death. He said, “I’m not a person who has had small prayers. I’ve asked for major things to change my life and the lives of those I’m with. I’m not disappointed.”

The other story - 10 Lessons From a Near-Death Experience – tells what happened to reporter Kathleen Kenna. She was covering the war in Afghanistan for the Toronto Star when a bomb was thrown at her car. She received extensive injuries, and has gone through “dozens of surgeries on three continents.” She said, being “near-death taught me a few things,” such as love heals all, faith transcends the darkness, hope is essential and life should be celebrated.

She told God that she was not ready to die and maintains that her “strong faith in God has kept me optimistic.” Forcing herself to concentrate on ONE. SMALL.THING. that made life worth living was the simple daily prayer she offered as she was going through months of pain and disability.

Both stories speak of the power of prayer in living life on this Earth.

Since the Church calls us to improve our praying during Lent, here is a “Prayer Exercise” that may help you achieve that goal.

GROWING YOUR PRAYERS:

Firstly, don’t look for the ideal place or time to pray, do it anywhere safe.

Secondly, imagine you are alone with God – spend a short time enjoying the relationship.

Thirdly, pray the five aspects of prayer, naming situations and people from your own life:

  1. PRAISE – say wonderful things to God;
  2. THANKSGIVING – thank God for who you are and what you have;
  3. FORGIVENESS – recall when you have fallen short of God’s expectation for you, allow yourself to feel sorry for your actions, and ask for God’s forgiveness;
  4. PRAYING FOR OTHERS – name people and situations for whom you want God’s help;
  5. PRAYING FOR YOURSELF – ask God to help you as you travel through life.

Fourthly, pray at least once per day.

Fifthly, please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

GROWING THROUGH LENT - EXAMINE YOUR LIFE


GROWING THROUGH LENT - EXAMINE YOUR LIFE
(This Lent, my daughter Allison Lynn and I are co-blogging! You can find our posts every Monday at my Blog and Allison’s Blog. Visit, comment, share, and most importantly, feel free to join us in the journey.)

Part of what defines our humanity is our desire to examine and understand our life. It separates us from other forms of creation.

In the 3rd century BC, the Philosopher Socrates stated The unexamined life is not worth living.

In the Bible, the writer of Lamentations proposed Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.(Lamentations 3:40 NIV)

After Jesus lived, died, and rose again, St. Paul advocated Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith. (2 Corinthians 13:5a NIV)

What better time than Lent - a season of fasting and spiritual exploration - to look at our lives and examine how we’re moving through this experience called Life.

One of the most important tools for examining your life is to find silence. In the Gospels, there are several stories of Jesus seeking silence when things got too busy. He would often rise early and find a quiet place to pray and think.

Spending time in silence can be intimidating for many of us. For others, it’s just hard to find any quiet in our loud, highly stimulating culture.

Here are a few ideas for finding silence in a busy world:

  Rise earlier than usual and spend a few minutes alone in a quiet space in your house. If the weather cooperates, go for a walk or sit outside. Think on the challenges you may face today, and how you may best respond to them.

  Most churches are open during the weekdays. Visit a sanctuary and soak in the silence.

  Spending time by the water is always calming and inspiring to the mind and soul. There’s nothing like sitting beside the ocean to feel the unique tension between power and frailty. If your environment allows, find some quiet time to sit by a lake, pond, river, or other body of water. If not, sit and visualize a scene of yourself sitting by the water.

  At the end of your day, turn off the TV thirty minutes earlier that usual. Sitting on the comfort of your couch, reflect on your day. Where did you experience God today?

  Art galleries, museums, and even some libraries provide a glorious combination of silence and beauty. Allow yourself to breathe in this rich atmosphere and see what thoughts are inspired.

  Labyrinths are an ancient practice of walking and meditation. Use an internet search to find one in your area, and explore this unique spiritual experience.

As you begin to find and create pockets of silence in your day, your thoughts will drift over your family, your occupation, your choices, your friends, your faith, your blessings, your passions, your losses, and every other part of your life. Be sure to carry a journal, notepad, cell phone, or tablet to capture your thoughts and prayers during this exploration. Review your notes every few weeks to reveal connections, changes, growths, and gratitude.

 Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Monday, February 27, 2012

GROWING THROUGH LENT – FASTING


GROWING THROUGH LENT – FASTING

(This Lent, my daughter Allison Lynn and I are co-blogging! You can find our posts every Monday at my Blog and Allison’s Blog. Visit, comment, share, and most importantly, feel free to join us in the journey.)
“What are you GIVING UP for Lent?”

and

“What are you TAKING UP for Lent?”

When it comes to FASTING, these two questions “go together like a horse and carriage.”

Fasting can last for a short or long time, and should be directed to improve your relationship with yourself, other people or God. Most people think of fasting from food, but your fast could be from anything that might be a distraction for you, such as alcohol, television, negative thoughts, unwanted behaviours, smoking, arguing, swearing, or even gossip.

Jesus also offered this advice when fasting – “Put on a happy face” – OK, that is not his exact words, but he did say, “When you fast, don’t make yourselves look sad like the hypocrites. They put a look of suffering on their faces so that people will see they are fasting. The truth is, that’s all the reward they will get. So when you fast, wash your face and make yourself look nice. Then no one will know you are fasting, except God, who is with you even in private. God can see what is done in private, and will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-19)

But to “give up” without “taking up” could put you in a worse state than when you started.

Jesus warned his followers about the dangers of giving up something without replacing it with something positive. He relates this little known incident called “The Danger of Emptiness” -- “When an evil spirit comes out of someone, it travels through dry places, looking for a place to rest. But it finds no place to rest. So it says, ‘I will go back to the home I left.’ When it comes back, it finds that home all neat and clean. Then the evil spirit goes out and brings back seven other spirits more evil than itself. They all go and live there, and that person has even more trouble than before.” (Luke 11:24-26)

So, this means when one gives up something like junk food, the time, energy and money freed up should be replaced doing something else, such as volunteering at a shelter or a community meal, or contributing money to a needy cause. Or if one decides to give up thinking evil thoughts, then these should be replaced by better, more positive thoughts and so on. Get the idea?

This Lenten season, we encourage you to both give up and take up something. Feel free to leave your experience in the comments section.

(This Lent, my daughter Allison Lynn and I are co-blogging! You can find our posts every Monday at my Blog and Allison’s Blog. Visit, comment, share, and most importantly, feel free to join us in the journey.)






Saturday, February 25, 2012

GROWING THROUGH LENT


(This Lent, my daughter Allison Lynn and I are co-blogging! You can find our posts every Monday at my Blog and Allison’s Blog. Visit, comment, share, and most importantly, feel free to join us in the journey.)


We find ourselves in the Christian season of Lent – 40 days of preparation and anticipation, beginning on Ash Wednesday and culminating with Easter Sunday.


This week, Lent began on February 22, approximately one month before the beginning of spring. If spring heralds thoughts of growth and new horizons, then so too does Lent. 


Lent is an opportunity to do some “spring cleaning” of our souls, minds, emotions and bodies. 


Listed below are suggestions of “what the Church asks” of us and “what we can do” to respond to these five recommendations. 


On each Monday in Lent, we will post a more detailed exploration of the five suggestions on Hollis’ blog and Allison’s blog.


Meanwhile, you can begin by mapping your plan for each of the five areas listed below.


May God guide each of us as we journey through the wilderness of Lent to the mountain top of Easter.



                 GROWING THROUGH LENT:

             What the Church asks - What you can do


FASTING - Give up a favourite food or change behaviour.


EXAMINE YOUR LIFE & PRACTICE - Spend 3-5 minutes alone daily reflecting on your quality of life.


PRAY - Pray for people you see in the news, read about in print, network with online and encounter in daily living.


READ THE BIBLE - Let’s all read the Gospel of John. Share your thoughts. 


HELP THOSE IN NEED - Support with your time, talent and finances an international or local church or charity.


                                    Please bookmark this blog, 

leave your thoughts in the comments section,

 and feel free to share this Lenten journey with your friends!


Friday, January 6, 2012

Good Friday Christmas Creche


Peter relates well with young people.
He wrote, “a few weeks before Christmas 2011, I brought some wood and art supplies and about six of us (five young people and Peter) went to work to make our own Crèche, which was on display at  St. John’s Church, Rockwood.
It has a few unique features …
--- lights and glitter because the children like that;
--- FIVE Jesus’ because all of the children wanted to make a Jesus;
--- one of the littlest children felt that if this is a story about God, then it should have lots of rainbows. I guess he remembered that from Noah’s Ark. I didn’t stop them; they were really involved in the Nativity story and expressed it the best way they knew how.
n      the oldest youth in the group wanted to have Jesus on the cross so that we wouldn’t forget that part of Jesus’ life. That is important too.”
Peter concluded that the children are my best teachers.
Jesus also taught and learned from children. He told us that we all must become as little children to enter God’s presence.
I call this Nativity Set – the CHRISTMAS-GOOD FRIDAY CRECHE, because it reminds us of the reasons why God entered our human lives - God came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly.
It also shows a connection between the gifts of the Christmas Magi and the Good Friday cross. The Magi’s gift of myrrh was given to someone who must die; the young Magi in Rockwood came to the same conclusion and wanted the cross included in the Bethlehem manger.
In 1993, I took our 1992 Christmas tree … cut off the limbs and made a cross from its trunk. That was my ‘Good Friday Christmas connection . I still have it.
Christmas leads to Lent … Lent to Good Friday … and Good Friday to Easter … Easter to eternity, all because – God so loved the world that God sent Jesus to save us all from sin and give us eternal life. No greater love!

So be it.







Epiphany - The Star of the Christmas Creche


In 1982, George arrived at the Church House where we lived and told our family, “I made this star as a gift for you. It does not belong to the Parish. Take it with you, wherever you go."

We have.
After several years adorning our home in St. John’s Newfoundland, we brought it to Toronto, Ontario where it guided people to our front door for 17 years. And for the past five Christmas seasons it has shone brightly on the exterior wall of our own home in Burlington, Ontario.
For 10 years, it occupied an honoured place, hovering over the Holy Family in the last scene (manger in Bethlehem) in THE REAL CHRISTMAS STORY – a play written by our daughter Allison Lynn and myself. Over 5,000 people walked through St. John’s York Mills churchyard to experience an outdoor theatrical presentation in Canada in December, and another 100,000 people saw the star when THE REAL CHRISTMAS STORY was shown on television…a fantastic journey for 10 pieces of plywood and a string of ten lights formed by George’s creativity and  talent, and clamped together with glue and nails. George’s star travelled infinitely more than he ever imagined.
On this first day of the Epiphany, we remember the astrologers who travelled for two years following an unknown star, not knowing where they were being led. Epiphany means “shining forth”, and the words from the manger scene of THE REAL CHRISTMAS STORY seem very reassuring as we head into an unknown and uncertain future.
 “This is a wonderful day for us who live here in Bethlehem;

Our God has been born as a baby in this very stable;
Look! There are his earthly parents - Mary and Joseph;
And look, there is the baby, Jesus Christ!
We have all seen the star;
God said, ‘I am the light of the world’, and there is the light;
It shone through the ages past;
It guided the astrologers and shepherds to this place;
It guides us today and into the future.
God has become a human being and dwells among us.
Let us celebrate the holiest of miracles”.
                                 ********************
The Crèche is a nativity set depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Since St. Francis built the first Crèche in the 13th century, the idea has expanded around the world. Even though people frame their Crèches to reflect their local customs, traditions, cultures and materials, the central focus is always the same – the birth of the Saviour. During the 12 days of Christmas, I shared 12 Crèches and their messages. Hope you enjoy them.  
Today is a bonus blog – we look to the star to see Jesus Christ - the “light of the world”
Love to hear your thoughts on the Creches in COMMENTS below.


Thursday, January 5, 2012

Day 12 - The Twelve Creches of Christmas


Spencer Park is located in Burlington, Ontario, where we live. It is a hub of activity throughout the year, but comes alive like a carnival of neon flashing lights during the Christmas season. Thousands walk or ride along the lake shore to soak in the wonder of a winter wonderland extravaganza.
Our friend Ian told us how many hours of coordination and work go into the building and maintenance of the cavalcade of lights each year. But he said,“it’s worth it”. I agree.
When fully activated for the Christmas season, Spencer Park is like a magical amusement playground for people of all ages and interests. 

There in the midst of this city owned park is the crèche (shown above).
 We are drawn to this scene, showing the astrologers or Magi completing their two year long journey following a star, and finding the baby. Standing in the cold night air, listening to the waters of Lake Ontario splash gently against the rocky shore, and hearing the hum of traffic heading east and west on a nearby highway, we are caught up in the wonder of God’s plan in bringing these academics to the place at the precise moment of the birth of Jesus.

They came and brought significant gifts…gold to show that they were approaching a king, frankincense to show that they were meeting a priest and myrrh to show they were honouring someone who was going to die. 
The baby would grow and become a king unlike any other king, a priest to care for all people and one who would die on a cross and rise from the dead for the sole motive of his love for all people.
The visit of the Magi showed the universality of God. We need to keep that in the forefront of our minds, so that we do not try to restrict God or Jesus to any one religion, culture, nation or other human designed crate. 
Today, think about those who are travelling the universe following a star, pray for their safety on the journey and that they may arrive at their “manger”.

                                                ********************
The Crèche is a nativity set depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Since St. Francis built the first Crèche in the 13th century, the idea has expanded around the world. Even though people frame their Crèches to reflect their local customs, traditions, cultures and materials, the central focus is always the same – the birth of the Saviour. During the 12 days of Christmas, I will share 12 Crèches and their messages. Hope you enjoy them.  
     Love to hear your thoughts on the Creches in COMMENTS below.


Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Day 11 - The Twelve Creches of Christmas



Outside All Saints Church, Bedford, Nova Scotia - where Elaine and her family worship - stands this crèche, created by parishioner, David.
The Crèche is located at the top of the steps leading up to the Church building. Symbolically it says to me that as we go through the rigour, stresses, joys and celebrations of life, we should always be looking up and acknowledging the source from which our strength comes, and give thanks to God. .
The silhouetted figures, similar to the dark dreary stable in Bethlehem, are illuminated by the powerful light emanating from the baby lying in the manger.

Years later, Jesus would tell his listeners, “I am the light of the world”. Over 2000 years beyond his birth, we can still be ‘lights for Christ’ shining through the gloomy situations faced by people in God’s world. 
Sometimes the light - note the star - reveals a hidden condition needing to be exposed, and sometimes the light spurs us to respond to alleviate harsh situations, but we are never alone and we should be courageous. As John wrote in his Gospel, “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it”.

Today think about what needs to be revealed or alleviated in your world. Pray for and support those who are working to make it a better place for all – both those upon whom the light has shone and those still sitting in darkness.

                                                ********************
The Crèche is a nativity set depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Since St. Francis built the first Crèche in the 13th century, the idea has expanded around the world. Even though people frame their Crèches to reflect their local customs, traditions, cultures and materials, the central focus is always the same – the birth of the Saviour. During the 12 days of Christmas, I will share 12 Crèches and their messages. Hope you enjoy them.  
     Love to hear your thoughts on the Creches in COMMENTS below.


Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Day 10 - The Twelve Creches of Christmas


Kay sent me four photos of Nativity Sets. I selected this Crèche because it speaks to me, not so much about the set itself, but about the power behind Christmas.
Of the 60 nativity sets we have in our personal collection – most given to us or collected in our travels – many are small like this one (compared to the hand holding the crèche).  Each contains recognizable figures of Mary, Joseph and Jesus in a bare tiny stable surrounded by representatives of the human and animal creation, in this case two birds.
Rarely are birds used in Crèches to represent the whole of the non-human world, but this artist chose birds to indicate that all of the universe was acknowledging the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ.
The main reason I am including this crèche is the presence of the hand. Practically speaking, the person was holding the tiny crèche so the camera operator could get a decent picture.
However, I view the hand as the “Hand of God” – God our creator, redeemer and sanctifier.
Just as the human hand is supporting the crèche so it will not topple over, so God is with us at all times, under every circumstance and in all situations. Another writer penned it this way: “there is no place where you can go without meeting God there”.
Today think about God our supporter and all others who support you in your journey through life. Give thanks for them.

   Love to hear your thoughts on the Creches in COMMENTS below.

                                                           ********************
The Crèche is a nativity set depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Since St. Francis built the first Crèche in the 13th century, the idea has expanded around the world. Even though people frame their Crèches to reflect their local customs, traditions, cultures and materials, the central focus is always the same – the birth of the Saviour. During the 12 days of Christmas, I will share 12 Crèches and their messages. Hope you enjoy them.  
           Love to hear your thoughts on the Creches in COMMENTS below.


Monday, January 2, 2012

Day 9 - The Twelve Creches of Christmas


I believe every Christian household should display a Nativity Set as a symbol of what Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ is all about. In our home we have nearly 60 crèches, which means that we have continuous reminders everywhere.
So I was pleased when Sue and Andy sent me a photo of their family Crèche.
They mentioned, “You may notice that the donkey is missing an ear... that's because our grand daughter (now 7) loves to play with the set and when she was two she somehow broke off the ear, which was never found!”
What a coincidence! When I was setting up our “main” crèche, I noticed that the ear on our donkey was also missing. I wonder if losing their ears is a genetic shortcoming of donkeys!
My first reaction was, “We need to replace the donkey or buy a new Nativity Set”, but we have had the present one for 40 years, and Christmas traditions are important to us.
Then, I thought maybe the donkey’s broken ear is symptomatic of today’s world, as well as what life was like when Jesus was born in the first century.
At a Toronto City Hall Christmas tree lighting/carolling ceremony, the Mayor spoke about the first Christmas and said that the needs were as great today as then. She pointed out that while we were enjoying ourselves in relative comfort and security, only a short distance away were hundreds of people who were homeless, hungry, lonely, etc.
Maybe the broken ear on the donkey is a sign to us. It serves to remind us how we can assist needy individuals travelling with us on the road of life – a kind word of encouragement, financial or other gifts to help lighten a heavy burden and offering an outstretched hand to lift up and support God’s creation.

Today think about all those who travel through life with a missing “ear” (whatever that means) … pray for them and sustain them in any way you can.

                                                ********************
The Crèche is a nativity set depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Since St. Francis built the first Crèche in the 13th century, the idea has expanded around the world. Even though people frame their Crèches to reflect their local customs, traditions, cultures and materials, the central focus is always the same – the birth of the Saviour. During the 12 days of Christmas, I will share 12 Crèches and their messages. Hope you enjoy them.  
    Love to hear your thoughts on the Creches in COMMENTS below.

                                   

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Day 8 - The Twelve Creches of Christmas

In recent years, Fiona and Bill have left the snow clad December land of Canada to spend Christmas with their family in Bermuda, where I understand people dream the impossible dream – a white Christmas.

They attend St. Mark’s Church while in Bermuda, and this is their crèche.
What caught my attention with this crèche is the size of the star – seems bigger than the stable itself. Now in reality most stars may be this size or bigger, but in the Christmas events, I always imagine the star to be much smaller than the stable. Is there some reason why a church in Bermuda would display such a huge star?
While attending an exhibit containing more than 150 crèches from around the world, I noted the differences in the dimensions of and materials used to construct the Nativity Sets. People drew from their traditions, culture and locale to express what Christmas is all about.
Yet, even though the outward expressions varied greatly, the centrality of the message remained the same. At the centre of all these Nativity Sets was the new born child – Jesus Christ. Around him was the supporting cast of animals, shepherds and astrologers, and caring for Him were his earthly parents - single mother Mary and adoptive father Joseph.
If the former group represents the wider world with all its human stresses, concerns, troubles and sins, then the latter must indicate the presence of God. Maybe in the midst of what we are going through in life, we need to look way up and see the guiding light of the star, and then look beyond the star to see and know the ONE God who is love.
Today think about our different ways of expressing the one God and pray that each of us, by moving closer to God, may move closer to each other. Pray for it to happen.

                                                ********************
The Crèche is a nativity set depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Since St. Francis built the first Crèche in the 13th century, the idea has expanded around the world. Even though people frame their Crèches to reflect their local customs, traditions, cultures and materials, the central focus is always the same – the birth of the Saviour. During the 12 days of Christmas, I will share 12 Crèches and their messages. Hope you enjoy them.  
    Love to hear your thoughts on the Creches in COMMENTS below.