We used to have a very fancy, ceramic Nativity set. In fact, we had it for over thirty years. Then came the Great Purge, the time of “if you want it, put your name on it”. And the very fancy, ceramic Nativity set went to a new home with Daughter #4. She and her husband take very good care of it and it looks lovely in their home.
We still have a Nativity set of which at least parts are more than thirty years old. Originally it was the children’s play Nativity and it is a bit worse for the wear. Mary has lost a hand as has one of the wise men. Joseph appears to have lost an eye, and he might actually be a shepherd but household legend is he’s Joseph. The angels left early. The wise men have four camels and two tractors for transportation. Front-loader tractors to be specific. One of the wise men forgot he was supposed to bring gold and apparently brought a bowl of garbanzo beans instead. The cow and donkey have been joined by two rather large sheep, one which has stars, and by a bear which apparently escaped from a Norse fantasy tale. Each year another outcast joins the scene.
And isn’t that sort of the whole Christmas to Easter story? The gathering of the lost, the marginalized, the poor, those who never quite get it right? The creation of God’s Family is varied, interesting, and gives those of us on the outside looking in the key to the family home.
I’m not sure where the wise men’s sled dogs are but we’ll have some treats and warms beds when they show up.
Who are you helping to welcome this year?
Just Sayin' 