Day 6 -The Twelve Creches of Christmas

As we travel the globe for business or pleasure and come across a familiar scene or someone we know, we feel more at home and more secure.

Perhaps Nancy felt that way when she went on vacation to Cozumel, Mexico and discovered this Crèche in the lobby of the resort where she was staying.

All the characters associated with the first Christmas are present in this scene. Nancy sent me a second photo which shows a Caribbean stable (slate roof and no walls), maybe not dissimilar to the one where Jesus was born.

There they are – the animals, the shepherds, the astrologers, the parents and the angel – all focusing on the baby Jesus – the Incarnation of God (God becoming a human being in Jesus Christ).

But the reason I selected this photo, rather than the other one, is someone you can see, if you look closely, peeking out from the tree in the left upper quadrant –  a young boy is looking at the Crèche to see what is happening.

No doubt curious children, probably awakened from their sound sleep when they heard the commotion in the little town of Bethlehem, outran their parents and other elders and came first to the stable. They most likely climbed into the rafters to have a better viewing advantage. The child in Mexico is just as inquisitive as his counterpart in any other culture or generation. That is good.

But the young boy also symbolizes a curious world on the outside looking in to see what the excitement is all about. They are seeking answers to the perennial question, “what is Christmas all about?”

The 12 days following Christmas Day enable us to spend more quiet and alone time to reflect upon that question and what it means in our individual lives.

Today, take a few minutes to reflect upon your answer to that question, and when you encounter a curious seeker, invite them in so they can know what it is like to be in the presence of the living God. Pray for this to happen.

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The Crèche is a nativity set depicting the birth of Jesus Christ. Since St. Francis built the first Crèche in the 13^th 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.