I love our wooden Nativity scene we bought in Israel. It is made of olive wood and we purchased it on Manger Street in Bethlehem. The street name is kind of cheesy, but it is easy to remember. It is a beautiful reminder of Jesus's miraculous birth.



  

             Our Pastor says the wise men do not belong in the Nativity scene because they arrived later, possibly two years later bringing their gifts to the child. But most people, including us, keep the wise men in the scene.

If we want to be factually accurate we wouldn’t have the wooden barn or the wooden manger either. Many parades and Christmas plays include Mary riding on a donkey, yet no donkey is mentioned in Luke 2 in the Bible. We celebrate His birth on December 25, but history tells us the Catholic church chose that date. December would have been too cold for shepherds to be sleeping out in the fields. It would have been too cold for Joseph and Mary, or anyone, to take a long journey. It is more likely Jesus was born in late September, during the annual Feast of Tabernacles, when it was more acceptable to travel such a long distance.

Our Nativity scene is wooden, yet traditionally mangers, or troughs where animals were fed, were cut of stone. Archaeologists have unearthed many stone troughs throughout Israel.

Something new I learned recently is the Greek word for the term ‘inn’ (kataluma) is only used one other place in the Bible. The word means a “furnished, large upper story room inside a Jerusalem house.” On the last night of Jesus life, when He celebrated Passover with His disciples, He told them to find a kataluma, a large furnished upper room.

More than likely, Mary and Joseph traveled to his hometown of Bethlehem and stayed with relatives. But, because of the census, the house was crowded, and the kataluma was already filled with elderly or more important relatives. (Why they didn’t make room for a girl about to deliver a baby is still a mystery!) Mary and Joseph probably stayed underneath the kataluma, on the bottom level, where the animals stayed and were fed from stone troughs.

Do these new things I learned about the Christmas story ruin it for me? No, not at all. I love Christmas and celebrating the birth of our Savior. I think it is important to read the story from Luke 2, watch movies and plays to help us visualize that night, and display Nativity scenes to commemorate Christ’s birth.  

The facts of Jesus's birth are more marvelous than the traditions we hold. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was born of a virgin (Luke 1:31), just like it had been predicted centuries before (Isaiah 7:14). He was born in Bethlehem and an angel announced his birth to shepherds. They found Him wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger (Luke 2:12).

The truth is:

God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Whoever puts his trust in God’s Son will not be lost but will have life that lasts forever. (John 3:16 NLV)

        Wishing you a Christ-filled Christmas with peace and joy!

          I remember standing on the Mount of Olives looking at the iconic view of the old city wall of Jerusalem. Our guide pointed out where there used to be a road leading into the now sealed gate, during Biblical times.


          The people would enter this Eastern Gate (also called the Golden Gate) on their way to worship at the Temple. During the Jewish feast of Passover, the sacrificial lambs were herded down the road and through the gate, into the Temple area to be inspected before the sacrifice.

          The lambs were raised from birth for this specific purpose; to be sacrificed as the payment for the sins of the people. The lambs were raised in a small community outside of Bethlehem, five miles south of Jerusalem. This area known for raising the lambs is mentioned several times throughout the Bible. It is the small community of Migdal Edar. The shepherds there were not ordinary shepherds. They were commissioned by the temple Rabbi’s to inspect and certify which lambs were without flaw, perfect. They were to let the flawed lambs go for ordinary purposes, but the perfect lambs they wrapped strips of cloth around, to save for the sacrificial offering at Passover.

          The most famous time Migdal Edar is referenced, the name is not used. Given it’s purpose and proximity to Bethlehem, it is believed when the Angel Gabriel announced the birth of baby Jesus, it was to the shepherds at Migdal Edar.

           10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”                     Luke 2:10-14

                                   
           The shepherds who were raising and inspecting the Passover lambs were the first to be told about the Lamb of God, who would take away the sins of the world. (John 1:29) They were the first to inspect, or admire, the final lamb that would be slain. (Revelation 5:12)

          As we celebrate the birth of Christ, are we thinking about the holiday to come? Passover, or Resurrection Day. Do we think about how Jesus was born for the purpose of dying for the payment of our sins?  Christmas is not only a time to remember and admire the baby Jesus. It is also an invitation to bow to Him, as the Magi did.

           This season when we see a nativity scene let’s remember Jesus came not only to be seen in the manger, but also to be followed. When baby Jesus grew up, his ministry was to call people to,

                             “Come, follow me.” Matthew 4:19

           The person who has inspired me the most to do this blogging thing is my friend Michele. She has a wonderful blog that she faithful posts at called Family, Faith and Fridays. For the month of December she is having friends guest blog about the The Gift of December. I am honored to write the opening post about Prepping our Hearts for Christmas.



            Do you look forward to playing Christmas music and setting out Christmas decorations? A lot of work goes into planning, prepping, cooking, buying and wrapping to make Christmas a beautiful and fun holiday.
This year, I questioned if I plan and prepare for the right reason. Instead of spending all my time on the tasks of physically setting the stage for the big event, like Martha did. I need to sit and prepare my heart like Mary did, at the feet of Jesus.
           In preparing our homes and our hearts for Christmas, I’ve made a short to-do list. click to continue reading