Unpacking the Creche

Yesterday, Patrick Downes, our organist, and I had lead our Snowbird-Seagull ministry in Advent worship. Using music and the word imagery of unpacking the crèche, we invited our senior adults to open their hearts to the promise of the season. As usual, I probably received more of a blessing from this effort than those who worshiped with us. I share some of the thoughts that I used and know that the seasonal music interspersed within was important to this time of worship.

For many of us the unpacking of the nativity or crèche opens our hearts to the promise of the season. As each precious piece is unwrapped and put in place, we find ourselves at the manger waiting for Jesus to come again. Whether elaborate or simple, our crèches each has a story unto itself…of who created and/or bought it, of its history and the family traditions that surround it. At one look it recalls in us all those whom we love, but no longer see. We remember Advents past and Christmases long since gone and half forgotten. And in this ritual of unpacking the crèche, these cherished figures will remind us of the Promise that has been made and will be kept when we let it.

With Mary we listen; with Joseph we remember to do the right thing. As shepherds keep watch, we know that in the dark God breaks through into our lives. The Wise Men come later, but are important as they tell of God’s gift for all.

As we put the babe in the manger, we pray:

“O little Jesus, sleep. Sleep while we kneel and watch over you in a dim light this Christmas too. We honor the woman that bore you. We admire the man that adopted you. We maintain sweet memories of those who brought us, like Mary and Joseph, into the stable to worship you during our own Christmas past. But you are the one we praise. You are the one whom we trust. In you we rest. In you we place our faith. Forever and forever, you are the Christ - and you are our Lord forever.” Amen

Walt Wangerin, Jr.
Preparing for Jesus

While I spoke about unpacking the creche, I remembered the little one which our sons enjoyed as children and that still has a prominent place in our home during this time of waiting. I have written a post about this previously.