the nativity set
We have a small nativity set that my aunt gave to our family several years ago. I put it out with our christmas decorations each year, but it is usually placed up high out of the reach of our children as it is breakable and they are, well, kids.
But I decided this year to put the nativity lower. Within reach. Surrounded by teensy flakes of snow. I fully expected that the boys would take interest in it and that there would probably be snowflakes all over the place, but I didn’t really anticipate what my no. 2 did yesterday afternoon.
First, he rearranged all of the figurines so that they were in a tight circle around baby Jesus. He fixed the snow so it was just right and stood staring at it for a short time.
Next, he went to the table and started a little craft. I thought nothing of it. He has a short attention span and moves from activity to activity like a whirlwind.
Only later did I realize that my sweet boy’s craft time consisted of taping a star to the amaryllis plant.
Because every nativity scene needs a star.
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
“the magi went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2
It is hard to find ways to keep our focus on the reason we celebrate Christmas. I love the carols, the lights, the shopping and decorating, the baking and parties. I even love santa. But most of all, I love Jesus. And I want so badly for my children to love him too.
My son making a star for the manger scene tells me he gets it. In his own six-year-old way, he cared enough about the story to make it right.
When I saw that star, I was overjoyed.
Dorothy at Belle of the Kitchen
This is absolutely precious. What a blessing that he understands at such a young age!
Kacey @ Shes.No.Martha
Oh my goodness — that made my day. That is so wonderful and encouraging!
Andrea
Looks like you are teaching him well. In this crazy world we live in, it’s so nice to see others celebrating the true meaning of CHRISTmas. Lovely post!
Katie @ Wildwood Creek
What a precious moment! Thanks for sharing the reason for the season. Blessings to you and yours.
LauraLee
Thanks for sharing that — I got all teared up — He seems to know what Christmas is truly about – Jesus!
Kelly in Georgia
Oh girl, that was precious!! What a wonderful story to share.
Ktez
He obviously gets his creativity from his mum going by how he staged the scene!! How lovely of him to think about the star etc x
Shelley
Oh my! That totally brings happy, sweet tears to my eyes
Melissa M.
Wow, that brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for the reminder this morning to slow down and celebrate our Jesus.
Brenda Weaver
oh my goodness! that’s So cute! Brought tears to my eyes! Your son has the right idea!
beth
Oh, that is so very sweet. I love when they show us how they understand without even speaking.
Megan
After reading depressing thing after depressing thing on the news this morning, to be able to see that little star was a tiny promise of good.
Amanda
I can’t find the right words – just heart-warming.
Debbie
that is awesome!
Tiffany A. Nelson
Children have such an innocence, it serves as a constant reminder. God is truly good.
Jennifer
SO PRECIOUS!
Kathleen Leonard
This is simply put, Awesome! I feel the exact same way about my kids always remembering the real reason we celebrate this grand day. We wish you and your family a wonderful celebration of jesus’ birthday!!!
Nicole
That’s the kind of story we all need to hear! And I agree with the other commenters. There really are no words to describe how I felt after reading about your son and his star.
Karen M
What a beautiful story!!! You have obviously raised your son to love Jesus with that same love that you have. I am always so thankful for those glimpses into my children’s hearts that show me that “maybe I am doing something right after all.” lol Enjoy your day and have a blessed Christmas.
Katy
Looks like you’ve taught your children to love Jesus the most as well! This story made me tear up a little bit. So very sweet!
Becky
What a sweet moment as a mom!
Amelia
That is so sweet!
Danielle O.
There’s something very amazing about the 5-6 year old mind. My No. 2, now six years old, started doing the same thing last year with a gift he received from his preschool teachers. A nativity finger puppet set, nothing real special at first glance. Just rubber finger puppets of Mary, Joseph, three wisemen, and little Baby Jesus in a manger. He positions them in a very specific tight circle without fail. If they get messed with or fall over, he fixes them each and every night. The first time I found it last year, I stood there in amazement, while thousands of legos and nerf blasters are strewn about at random, a rubber nativity set sits in perfect formation?! And as if clockwork, he started the same thing again this year when it came out with the Christmas decor. Really nothing more than a simple toy in reality, but he knows that Baby Jesus should be handled with great care and respect, and that in itself is truly amazing.
Paige
That is such a sweet story and wonderful reminder of the real reason for the season. Thank you for sharing!
Beth
Wow ! That is simply beautiful. I teared up just reading how your child organized it to make it just right. So so beautiful.
Gina
Oh, that is so sweet. It is easy to get caught up in Santa and all the other stuff…we have to be very intentional about showing other’s Jesus.
Maggie @ Black & White {Side by Side}
So glad you posted about this! Children are wonderful!!!
Shannon
Thank you for sharing such a precious post. I have a 15 month old daughter and also want her to know and love Jesus. It brought tears to my eyes. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!
Jessica
That is amazing and so precious- thank you for sharing that!!!
meg @ oursomethingnew
This is so sweet! Kids surprise me sometimes with their ability to completely bring it all into perspective in such a simple way! Merry Christmas!
Katie
I almost cried reading this. I LOVE seeing how kids show they are “getting it.” Praise God for His work in them!
Tatum
So sweet! This brought tears to my eyes! Some of my fondest memories this time of year are of playing with our nativity set that had been passed down to my mom from her grandma. It was a hand carved wooden set. I can still remember the smell. Unforuntately, while my parents were moving a few years ago a box flew off the trailer and that nativity set was in it. They did realize it had flown off. So sad! I need to get a set for my little to play with. : )
lori lucas
Sweetness beyond words. Those are the moments that make everything worth it…and all totally right with the world. Thanks for sharing so we could all enjoy…And remember. Lori Lucas
Rebecca Jeanne
That is SUPER SWEET! I totally got chills!
Suzanne Jackson
Very precious — thanks for sharing. My 13-yr-old son enjoyed seeing this, too!
Terri
Precious!
Emily
Love this- Thank you for sharing. Such a wonderful reminder of the real reason for this wonderful blessed season.
Allie
Your post reminds me of the book Mortimers
Christmas Manger … Have you read it? So sweet!
It is about a mouse and a nativity set…
Gerry Lynne Baker
This was so touching, it brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. What a wonderful mother you are. Your children reflect the Light of the World. Blessings to you and yours.
Emily Kilpatrick
Goosebumps. Your boy is so precious.
amy
Gorgeous… I loved every bit of that story. Thank you.
My friends on facebook are enjoying it now, too.
Merry Christmas!
Linda
Your blog today brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful Mom you are and teaching your children the true meaning of Christmas! Sometimes in our busy lives, we wonder if we’re doing a good job parenting and especially when we have a bad day. You can be proud of #2 and yourself as Mom.
Have a very blessed Christmas!
Janelle
What a sweet story. I, too, teared up reading this. I’m always amazed at how clearly children see and understand the gospel. The amazing power of the Holy Spirit is so evident in the faith of children. They never cease to surprise me. Thank you for sharing this story. And, as Linus from the Peanuts gang would say, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
Cindy
Absolutely precious!
I know that made your day!
nicole P
very sweet story. thanks for sharing.
amy
perfect. that is a beautiful story. thank you for sharing.
Pam
Well Merry Christmas! That is the dearest story.
Ashley @ One in the SAHM
Oh my word – that is the sweetest thing!
Sara
Brought tears to my eyes. I think that is every mother’s wish for their children love Jesus. It looks like your doing a pretty good job of making that wish come true. God Bless your Christmas.
Ericka J.
That is just beyond precious. Thanks for sharing!!!