One of my most prized possessions is a non traditional nativity set. My brother carved this for my mom many years ago. How many? I knew it must be at least 30 years. When I contacted him recently to ask, he thinks it’s been more like 50 years! I think that officially makes it an antique.

I keep the pieces carefully wrapped and in the same box my mom used. Nativity, written by her hand, is still clear on the side. Every year as I set this out, I am flooded by memories. Those of a mother’s love. Those of my brother who spent countless hours creating this gift. Those of gratitude to my heavenly Father who gave the greatest gift of all in his son, Jesus.

To celebrate Nativity and the meaning behind this popular Christmas decoration, I’d like to share a little story with you. Unfortunately, I don’t know who wrote it, so can’t give proper credit. I pray it touches your heart with Christmas Spirit as it did mine.

In order to save the beautiful ceramic nativity set from the grasping, sticky fingers of her young daughter, Linda crafted a play grouping out of burlap, canvas and yarn. Five-year-old Elizabeth would spend hours rearranging the pieces and acting out the Christmas story. Mother would quietly laugh to herself when she heard Elizabeth inevitably say, “Hey, Jesus’ mother, Can I hold your baby?”

Mother just couldn’t picture the work-roughened hands of a shepherd cuddling an infant, or a royal king, such as the Magi, stooping down to embrace a poor chid in a manger. But it made perfect sense to little Elizabeth. If these people were going to make a trip to see a baby, they wouldn’t want to leave without holding it.

Think about it. She really isn’t so far off. When you see babies, it’s only natural to admire them or comment on how cute they are. But if you actually pick up that baby, a phenomenon takes place. Holding that child, gazing into those wide eyes, and connecting with that uniquely God-given personality – that baby gets into your heart!

Don’t you think the shepherds and wise men were drawn in the same way to embrace the Infant of Bethlehem and experience the miracle of His love in their hearts that first Christmas?

As you make your journey to the stable in Bethlehem again this year, don’t just gaze on the Child in the manger and  turn away unchanged. Embrace the Baby of Bethlehem, the pure light of Gd’s love, and let Him shine in your hearts and make your lives new.

Don’t leave without holding the baby.