Tag: Christmas

This simple nativity is made of wood, it really highlights the wonder of the worshippers around the King in the crib.  Two of the shepherds have mouths open – at least one gaping with awe and wonder. Why would this prophesied King be born here? And why were *we* invited? Lowly shepherds, often neglected in those times, were visited by angels to come and witness the King of the universe!  It reminds us that we too, are invited to witness and worship the King. We shouldn’t be – we deserve death & judgment – but this very King was born …

This ceramic set shows each figure as a child.  The set (and each figure individually) is incredibly cute.  I love a number of things about this set:  Each figure has such wide, expectant and joyful eyes. The awe-inspiring event they have come to witness demands wide, attentive eyes. Knowing that they were looking at the King who could save them (and the rest of the world) from sin…could only result in joy. Each figure is a child: revealing that we are all God’s children. We love to try to be grown up, to be certified, to be qualified – but …

This set seems to be aimed at children, however the emphasis definitely hits us as adults…  Look at the stature and the face of each figure: they are oozing self confidence – pride.  Mary looks so pleased with herself. Joseph, so competent. The wise men, so distinguished.  Nothing could be further from the Truth! Mary had the humility to accept whatever God wanted to do through her. Joseph had the humility to remain married to Mary, even though she was pregnant without His involvement. The wise men humbled themselves so much that they abandoned their own lives in order to travel and …

This set made of high quality glazed china, is quite large and ornate.  Two things stand out clearly with this set:  1) GOLD: Nearly every figure has some gold. This speaks clearly of the very reason the Magi (most people think wise men) travelled so far to honour this baby…HE WAS KING!  Being astrologers influenced by Daniel (you know Daniel in the lions den Daniel!), they were looking for the King, born in Bethlehem, in the line of Judah who would save His people. Amazing things in the heavens shouted ‘King King King’ and so they came to honour Him with …

  This modern resin set is great quality, colourful and sturdy. The detail of nearly every element is amazing – except one… THE EYES! Every figures has eyes that look up but also this distant gaze. For some, it really looks like they are day dreaming: with the King of Kings right in front of them!! But it is often the same with us… We see God’s creation, we witness miraculous events, we understand His specific care, protection and provision in our lives and at times we have Him very, very near. All this and yet we still have at …

Another different set, this one is made out of paper!  Paper, virtually the opposite of the last set, is incredibly fragile and easy to damage. No strength at all! This reminds us of Jesus’ humanity: weak and easy to destroy… OR SO IT SEEMED!!!!  Helpless baby in a manger. The ruling government wanted Him gone. The religious mob wanted Him dead. A powerful king had dozens of babies killed trying to eliminate Him. False accusations, conspiracies, attempted assassinations – they all failed. Eventually, charges were brought against Him that were true: He claimed to be God and King…  Neither side could …

This is a strange set.  Made of lead it reminds us that our culture and even our own souls are toxic, deadly. Left to our own devices, we are drawn to, revel in and are held captive by sin. Sin, while enjoyable for a time, leaves us under God’s wrath and judgement. Without Jesus, we can not escape it.  Another thing that strikes me about this set is that one of the Magi (wise men), is missing his head covering or crown. This reminds us that we can willingly lay down our crowns before Jesus now, or we will be …

Made from bees wax, this set is incredibly hard to store, especially when living in old caravans!  For this reason, this set reminds me of the miraculous provision of God… For around 15 of of nearly 20 years together, Sharmini and myself have lived in old caravans. Stinking hot in summer, freezing cold in winter. For periods, no power, running water or toilet, it seemed unlikely we would ever have ‘modern conveniences’, let alone a house that could store wax figures!  But here we are, 20 years later, virtually no income, me severely limited in the physical and we live …

My children made this set from bolts, nuts and springs they found lying around.  While definitely not the most ornate and detailed set we own, it certainly is unique! It also communicates some powerful truths about the birth of Jesus…  First of all – that we are all nuts! (Well, maybe only speaking for myself 😂). As the Bible says, we are all wise in our own eyes, but often we are deceived or worse.  Also, this set, made of steel, the set reminds us of: The strength of Jesus The adaptability of JesusThe availability of JesusThe universality of JesusThe pervasiveness …

Ironically, the beautiful design and finish of this nativity set is the very thing I hate about it. In fact, I would likely not keep it if it were not for the fact that it was broken!  Royal Doulton have tried to beautify and sanitise a scene that was anything but clean, beautiful or elegant. The figures, the characters and even the finish is so immaculately perfect, it really is jarring. Ironically, two broken and missing hands redeem the piece for me! Due to damage in transit, the set cost us nothing, another reminder of how God provides…  But the broken …

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!   It also gets me thinking about the whole ‘carpenter’ thing… Tradition says that …