My parents’ brought me a treasured gift from their memorable trip to Israel; hand-carved and sold by Palestinian Christians in Bethlehem. This small olive wood creche features the humble family of three under a dazzling star flourish over the stark stable. An angel bears “Gloria” banner with song from above while earthy shepherd watches from behind fir tree. Sentinel sheep guard the vulnerable Lamb of God.
Of course, I want the grandkids to touch and experience the texture of that biblical first Christmas; to be able to hold a bit of awe in their little hands. But I also feel protective, maybe even possessive of the delicate creche; this irreplaceable gift of Christmas. So I purchase a children’s version of stable with plastic figures they can move around, put in mouth, or drop.
Hopefully, we do not cheapen the real story in our efforts to make it accessible.
creches around world
all nations will worship him
Jesus has first place
a poem in my pocket 
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