Portland St. Patrick Catholic School

Last week, St. Patrick School was the recipient of a wonderful gift.  A donor called and asked if we would like to have the original nativity set used by St. Patrick Church.  Of course, I was thrilled by the offer and very happy to accept the donation.  The nativity set is currently in my office awaiting restoration by our art department.  

While I work, I’ve taken some time out to study each figure of the Nativity.  I noticed the paint is fading and there are chips taken out of some of the figures but all heads are bowed in reverence, wonder, and awe before the newborn Savior.  I can’t help but wonder to myself what each member of the Nativity would say to me if they could speak?

Would they quote scripture and tell me “For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  Would they tell me “Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life and that no one comes to the Father except through him” (John 14:6)? 

Maybe instead of quoting scripture they would instead tell the story of the Nativity as told in Matthew or Luke.  They could explain the circumstances which led Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.  They could further explain how our Savior, Jesus Christ came to be born in a stable in Bethlehem.  They might even go on and explain the gifts of the Magi and how the Holy Family had to flee to Egypt.

It is also possible they might tell me about the places they have been or the people they have seen.  They might even tell me about the lives that have been impacted when people who witnessed their presence understood the true meaning of Christmas. 

Or perhaps instead of talking about the past, they would instead talk about our modern times.  Maybe they would voice frustration that in many communities, they would be shuttered away because of lawsuits about the separation of Church and state.  Maybe they would talk about the people who no longer celebrate the birth of Christ and instead have “holiday” or “winter” celebrations.  They might even explain their frustration with people who no longer regard “Jesus as the reason for the season.” 

As we finish the third week of Advent and move into the final week before the birth of our Savior, the lessons and sacrifices of the Holy Family and the Nativity serve as a strong reminder of exactly what it is that we are planning and preparing for on Christmas day.  Let the joy of Christ be with you this Christmas season.  God bless you and yours.