Saturday, December 29, 2007

Dearest God,

Do you remember the place in Bethlehem where I purchased an olive wood nativity scene several years ago? Do you recall how I held each wooden piece, looking them over, wanting to explore the faces of the wise men and shepherds, Mary, Joseph and Jesus? How I delighted in having a creche from the Holy Land.

I always put it out during the Advent season. I take special care to place each piece in just the right place. On top of Grandma's piano, high and lifted up, always seems a good place.

But then there is the other creche as well. A fabric nativity, one where children can play with the characters and the animals. They can arrange and rearrange. I set it on the floor beside the piano so my grandchildren can have access, play a role in arranging the holy family.

I always wait to put Jesus out until Christmas Eve after the worship services. It is always a holy, sacred moment, the arrival of the long awaited messiah. I carefully place Jesus close to his mother and earthly father. This year I placed the small manger containing Jesus just inside the wooden stable on top of the piano. Then I leaned down and placed the King of Kings in the li ttle basket just outside the stable on the floor. I stood back and gazed upon the savior as the tiny white lights reflected, dancing on the wall.

This Savior changed the world's life, I whispered to myself, I whispered to you. I have this creche, this home for God because you gave us your son. At that quiet, darkened moment lighted only by the tree, mantle and creche lights, I murmured my prayers of thanksgiving. The appearance of the Christ child brightened my room and my heart. I was ready for Christmas.

My soul and spirit
have been readying
my heart
to receive
the savior
once again.
I have drawn nearer
and nearer
to the stable,
making my way
like Mary and Joseph
to Bethlehem.
I reached my destination
because you were waiting.
How glorious
to hear the angels sing.
My heart is yours.

Love, Andrea