Thursday, December 17, 2009

The Symbols of Christmas

The other night George and I set up our nativity scene. It sits in a lighted nook in our entryway, making it one of the first things you see on entering our home. I love our nativity set. There are the usual nativity characters as found in the Holy Scriptures: the blessed family, the angel, sundry shepherds, and three wise men. But, this particular set has new characters you can add every year. There’s the old peddler with his lantern held high, the shepherd boy carrying a small lamb and looking skyward to the star, or the little angel holding a dove and gazing lovingly down at the baby Jesus in His manger bed.

The symbolism of each piece speaks of the tender meaning and wonder of the Savior’s birth. The peddler’s lantern illuminates our way to the true Light which shines in the darkness, the angel’s dove represents Christ as the Prince of Peace, and the lamb brings our thoughts to the Lamb of God.

I often see George standing and contemplating the stable scene with all the characters surrounding the lowly manger bed, (I do the same). It brings our minds and hearts to the true meaning of the Christmas celebration—the birth of Christ. This Christmas, 2009, we share our testimonies with you that He lives and loves us. He is the Prince of Peace, the Savior and Redeemer of mankind.

Is it any wonder that His birth is celebrated around the world by every race and in every language? We too celebrate, and wish you a Christmas filled with joy, love, and wonder!

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