Nativity #12
This set has 8 hand carved stone characters from Kenya.
I love how clean, smooth and heavy these figures are. Being from Africa, they have a unique slant on the shape and dress of each character.
They remind me of the fact that no matter who you are, no matter where you are, no matter your location, demographic or background – the message of Jesus has relevance and power.
Being made of stone reminds me of a powerful truth: that Jesus is the rock! 1Romans 9:33 (NLT) “I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble,
a rock that makes them fall.
But anyone who trusts in him
will never be disgraced.” 2 1 Peter 2:7-9 (NLT) Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.”
And,
“He is the stone that makes people stumble,
the rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
It also gets me thinking about the whole ‘carpenter’ thing… Tradition says that is what He was – making chairs and tables. But more likely He was a builder and stone would be the more likely material used. That makes this set special in that it is made of a similar material to what Jesus likely used day to day!
Another think I love with this set is the expressions of the wise men: One is saluting (Jesus is the chief, the commander), one has arms out and postulant (Jesus is the High Priest), the other is contemplative (Jesus is God – awe-inspiring, majestic). All three an example for us to follow.
Mary’s expression reflects a wondering, almost sceptical look: certainly a temptation given the things being said about her son Jesus! Imagine having some very rich, esteemed and distinguished guests arrive from a distant land with highly symbolic gifts for your son?!! 3 Luke 2:18-20 (NLT) All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
I also love how big and wide Joseph is…big, strong protective stance. In many nativities and movies, Joseph is in the background: not much is said about him. But his integrity, provision and protection of his wife and baby are clear in scripture. My guess is that if you had messed with baby Jesus, you would likely feel the full force of this gentle giant!
May we set the attention of our worship on the Rock of Ages this Christmas!
Footnotes:
- 1Romans 9:33 (NLT) “I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble,
a rock that makes them fall.
But anyone who trusts in him
will never be disgraced.” - 21 Peter 2:7-9 (NLT) Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him,
“The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.”
And,
“He is the stone that makes people stumble,
the rock that makes them fall.”
They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. - 3Luke 2:18-20 (NLT) All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.