Today’s nativity is new to us today! We found it at the Upscale Resale at St. Paul’s UMC Carolina Beach. For years we’ve wanted a new tree skirt, but never found one that we liked more than the cheap thing we had, until this one! And while this is a small example, it fits with Advent, sometimes just what we need takes time to be revealed. Waiting is a spiritual practice. Sometimes, we can grow weary of waiting and try to do things ourselves or accept less than we know is right, but waiting for God, co-creating with God, is worth the effort. #Day16 #nativitycollector #crèchenerd

Today’s nativity is the first in my collection. Neither Jenn nor I can recall exactly when we purchased. We believe it was Christmas 2000, just after we purchased this house and went “all out” decorating for Christmas, our first month as homeowners. It isn’t the most unique or prettiest of the collection, but made special by the addition of Dalmatians who have always been by the side of this Christ child, as they’ve always been by the side of this Christ’s child. Today is a fitting day to celebrate the constant companionship of dog with us! #Day12 #nativitycollector #crèchenerd

Today’s nativity was created for me by my college friend Mark. It’s made of bicycle chain and is absolutely wonderful. As you probably know I love riding my bike, and this nativity makes me think of the ways we travel through life. AND the fellow travelers we encounter! How we shine light into their lives and they shine into ours. #Day14 #nativitycollector #crèchenerd

Today’s nativity is made of repurposed oyster shells. In South in the 1800s, oysters were most widely available in winter months (starting in December), when the weather was cool enough to prevent seafood from spoiling while traveling. Enveloped in seaweed and wet straw, oysters could be transported for up to two weeks without decaying. This seasonal window meant that oysters gradually became associated with Christmas. #Day13 #nativitycollector #crèchenerd