By Pastor Mark Moreno

Memories and Reverence

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Today’s image is an old blow mold nativity scene that I found when I popped into a local thrift store. It is considered a table top version, as opposed to the large full sized versions that go on the lawn of a home.

You can see Mary with her hands folded over her heart as she looks upon the baby. The baby of course is illuminated, hinting at the glory that lays in the manger. Finally Joseph also strikes a reverent pose with his hands folded in prayer and head bowed in contemplation.

In Luke 2:15-16 we read,

“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.”
English Standard Version

I can’t imagine that what the shepherds encountered that night could ever be fully understood or captured. Certainly not in a blow mold from the 1960s! But there is something to it.

Christmas always takes me back to the many Christmases I have celebrated. I remember the ones from when I was a child, when I was in high school and college, when I was a newlywed, when the kids were at home, and even now as an empty nester. There are wonderful memories, familiar music, even traditions that range from food to Christmas movies.

I recall that my children would take their toy nativity and move the figures all over the house. I am pretty sure Batman and Luke Skywalker were at the nativity to worship Jesus, along with Barbie and a teddy bear.

What are the most powerful memories you have of Christmas? Tinsel on the tree? A very special present? Hearing your mom’s laugh? Enjoying a delicious dish that was a staple of the season?

Whatever your cherished memories may be, I pray that Christ is the center of your celebrations and center of your season. We can take that cue from Mary and Joseph as they fix their eyes on the newborn king.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado