Author: Gayle

Today’s nativity, for the 12th day of Christmas (I have one more for epiphany tomorrow), comes from the crèche festival at Mepkin Abbey. This is the second year this nativity has been with me. It has yet to find a display place that it seems to fit (I moved it this morning for a photo) which makes me think of all of us who never think we fit or fit in and how the Christ child came for us as well. I would argue that Jesus came specifically for those who feel they’re on the outside to draw us in and make us belong. And, Jesus calls his followers to go and do likewise! Merry Christmas, y’all! And may you continue to seek the story The rest of the story

BONUS NATIVITY: because I was putting it away for another year, here’s the Lego Club Carolina Beach nativity for 2023 (each year looks different)

Today’s nativity has slowly found a place in my heart. Several years ago this nativity caught my mom’s fancy and she bought one for herself and other family members, I made fun of it, because…I was a brash 20something (I might still be). The front of this nativity is a fountain, and 20ish years ago my dog Dodie thought mom’s was a great drinking fountain (my mom didn’t approve). Anyway, this one was given to my grandma, and came to me in 2000. Jesus said let all who are thirsty come and drink. Rivers of living water will flow from within them, from within you. #Day35 #11thdayofChristmas #nativitycollector #crèchenerd

Today’s nativity is the last of my Peanuts nativities. This one is by artist Jim Shore. Funny story of it’s acquisition – several years ago I received info that lego were being given away in Southern Pines, so we took a road trip. The Lego were from the estate of a retired engineer who put together Lego as a hobby (we came home with a carfull). But she also loved Peanuts and this set was there. I inquired on purchasing it (knowing I had very little cha-ching in my pocket). No amount was given and we continued loading Lego and as we were ready to leave the person said “how about $50 for the nativity?” The exact amount I had! (SIDE NOTE: each piece sells The rest of the story

Today’s nativity comes from Gallup NM which is situated between the Navajo and Zuni Indian reservations. This nativity is hand crafted by a native American artisan. And gifted to me by Susie Shovlin This nativity reminds me of a land acknowledgment and the need to honor and remember those whose land we live on. It’s also an acknowledgment of the atrocities that we perpetrated to acquire this place. It’s easy to forget the suffering of those who brought us to where we are… “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it” is often attributed to the Talmud, I would add neither are we free to forget the past and the history (good, bad, ugly) that got us The rest of the story