Category: Crèche Journey

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

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