December: Jesus in our heart and home

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

it's almost here- the day we remember that Jesus was born to die for our sins. what a profound thing to contemplate.

as you finish those last minute preparations, and wrap those last few gifts, enjoy your time with your family and friends!

November: Jesus in our heart and home

October: Jesus in our heart and home

i can't believe that the month has flown by so quickly, and it's time for another nativity! before you know it, the time will be upon me to brave the attic to bring down all the nativities in person!

this month's spotlight is a very simple white nativity from the dollar store. the thing that makes it very special to me is that the Holy Family were a gift from my 4 older children when they were much smaller. M, D, N and G each gave me a figurine: the Babe, Mary, Joseph and the shepherd. i later bought the 3 wise men to complete the set.

every Christmas season for many, many years, i have set up this nativity on top of our secretariat, and fondly remembered the thoughtful gifts that my young children gave me years ago.

that reminds me to remember the profound gift that God gave us in sending his only son at Christmas, so that He could die for us at Easter.

September: Jesus in our heart and home

this sparkly, sand mold nativity is ANOTHER one of my favorites. (are you seeing a re-occurring theme here?)

i like the simplicity of the figurines with the hint of mystery that the sparkles give.

Joseph had a small staff, and every December i promise myself that i will replace it.

maybe this will be the year!

August: Jesus in our heart and home

this simple clay nativity is one of my very favorites. it was made by a dear quilting friend, and i was fortunate enough to be the blessed recipient. (Jane even made me the little quilt to go with it!)

mary is a little worse for the wear, with a chipped veil and there is ketchup on the babe.


but that just goes to show that this is a treasured part of our holiday remembering.

July: Jesus in our heart and home

years ago, when the older children were small, i made this wooden nativity. i had seen one similar in a friends' house, and she was gracious enough to let me trace and copy the figurines.

this sturdy, chunky, child-friendly set is one of my favorites. it's the one that i reach for each Christmas as we re-tell the smallest children the wonderful story of Jesus.

June: Jesus in our heart and home

can i just say *for the 6th month in a row* that this handmade glass nativity is one of my favorites?

i acquired it through a determined bidding war on e-bay 7 or 8 years ago, and although it was not made for me, i treasure it just the same.

each piece was made by the same person, starting with the babe, Mary and Joseph. every several years, another component of the nativity was made, and then given, until the whole set was done.

i can't imagine what circumstances would precipitate giving up such a thoughtful gift, but I'm glad to have the chance to be the grateful owner of this very unique nativity.

May: Jesus in our heart and home

the kitchen is often a place that we can't decorate very much for the Christmas season. however, I'm happy to have this nativity plate, and put it on my counter to remind me of the miracle that we celabrate on Christmas morning.

April: Jesus in our heart and home

besides being one of my favorite nativities, this tiny Holy Family made of pewter reminds me of a dear friend who cared about me at a very difficult time in my life.

besides this thoughtful Christmas gift, she gave me the greater gift of her time, her friendship and constant encouragement, woven with understanding.

but most of all, she gave me the gift of listening.

and sometimes, that can be the greatest gift one friend can give another.

March: Jesus in our heart and home

this monochromatic clay nativity hails all the way from Mexico! my great uncle Eddie brought it back with him who knows when, and eventually my great aunts Mary and Olive passed it along to me.

this is my only nativity scene that has a chicken represented at the birth, and i can honestly say that this is one of my favorite nativities.

of course, with Easter just around the corner, most people are thinking of the completion of the Christmas story- Jesus dying for our sins, and rising from the dead.

however, A and B are still (almost daily) acting out the Christmas story. complete with head covering, baby Jesus and swaddling cloths, their little hearts are tender towards the baby Jesus who had no place to stay.

next week is holy week, and using the Resurrection Eggs, I'll begin the familiarize them with the rest of the story.

February: Jesus in our heart and home

i can't remember if I've ever mentioned this before, but i really like to quilt.

this nativity is one of my favorites. M gave it to me for Christmas a few years ago, and i usually display it somewhere so that all the detail of the quilts on the Holy Family can be truly appreciated.

January: Jesus in our hearts and home

it's hard to believe, but just one short month ago we were all in a flurry of preparations for Christmas. although the birthday of our Saviour has now come and gone, I want Jesus to be relevant in my daily life and activities.

it's not about "gearing up" for the holiday hub-bub, and then returning to life as normal. or, at least for me and my family, i want the worship and anticipation to continue.


our family (read: me) collects nativity scenes. all these this month are from my brother Josh and his wife Christina. (the wooden one even hails all the way from Greece. as in- they bought it there!)



every month, on the 23rd, I'll be posting another selection from our collection. just as a reminder to myself of what i want to remember every day; and what i want to teach my children above all other things:



that Jesus came at Christmas time, to die for our sins at Easter time. that every day i will serve Him and love Him. with all my heart, soul and strength.


join me in remembering.