Author: Gayle

Today’s nativity is made of wine corks. Jenn found it at a craft show while I was away one year, I can’t recall the year right now, and gave it as a welcome home gift. We created the tree from gifted wine corks to accompany the nativity that adorns our kitchen window (which just looks into the next room). I chose this nativity for the first day of a brand new year because wine symbolizes life, vitality, joy, blessing, and prosperity. This is my wish for each of you in 2024, life, vitality, JOY, blessings, and prosperity! SIDE NOTE: I love that this nativity is attended by Elbert, my watering can elephant, because you know there were animals there! #day32 #8thDayOfChristmas #nativitycollector #crèchenerd

Today’s nativity is a tree ornament, given to me, I think by my sister, in 2007 (the year is easy, and this just ‘looks like’ a gift my sister would give – she’s a good gift giver). This nativity, because my name is on it, serves as a reminder that faith can feel solitary, something we do alone (you know, ‘a me and Jesus got our own thing’ kinda deal) but the reality is our journey following Jesus, becoming more like Jesus, isn’t meant to be done alone. We need community and community needs us. So today I want you to know, you are not alone. I’m your community, and as close as the device in your hand. #Day31 #7thDayofChristmas #nativitycollector #crèchenerd

Today’s nativity is the second oyster shell nativity. This one augmented with weathered board and gold. The combination of weathered (rustic/rough/simple) and gold reminds us that Jesus’ is a valuable commodity in our lives, someone to be cherished as precious, and yet, Jesus shows up among the backdrop of our weathered (rustic/rough/simple) existence and makes us shine. Shine bright today, y’all! #Day30 #6thDayofChristmas #nativitycollector #crèchenerd

Today’s nativity is a tenny-tiny nativity. It’s simple in design and indeed small. It serves as a reminder that God shows up in small spaces and small ways, not just in the big things and big ways. And God wants to hear your seemingly small troubles and praises (you’re not wasting God’s time)! #Day29 #5thDayofChristmas #nativitycollector #crèchenerd

Today’s nativity is an ornament on our small silver tree. It’s made of a thin metal gold/bronze in color. I love the way the light shines and lights up baby Jesus here. Which reminds me that light always shines in the darkness and the darkness SHALL NOT overcome it. You are light, Jesus said so, which gives you every reason to shine, today and every day! #Day28 #4thDayofChristmas #nativitycollector #crèchenerd