My favorite artistic version of that night in Bethlehem.
I have worked diligently for three years to downsize and rid
our home of “extras” or found collections of too many vases, shoes, pens,
teapots, dishes, or makeup. Clutter
happens slowly but builds into mounds quickly. Paradoxical as that may seem, the heaps of
stuff become burdensome. So, again this
year when I pulled out the Christmas décor, I asked myself, which of these
decorations are extra or don’t spark my joy?
In a short time, I had three boxes ready to deliver to the
Salvation Army for someone else to enjoy.
Some were old, some new, but all these items took away from the beauty
of the decorations that sparked my joy. I wanted my favorite pieces to shine. There was no doubt which manger scene I would keep. A stained glass artist in Muncie, who died
shortly after I purchased this from him, made it. Every figure was made important through color
and design. He designed a wrap around mirror as the backdrop, which makes the images three dimensional. A simple candle or light
makes the Christ child become the focus of the scene. I have sat many mornings learning from that
child surrounded by a family who loved him and wise men who sought him. All of the nativity characters listened to
God, believed him, and followed his directions.
They suffered that they might share in the blessings of the King.
So, if your night seems dark and cold, follow the Star of
Bethlehem. There you will find light, comfort,
and the joy of this season.
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