In Wondering Awe

This weekend we went to a little town called Midway. There at the LDS stake center they have an inter-faith Cresche display. As we walked into the Church there was a reverance and almost a hush that seemed to fall over all who entered; all who came seeking the Christ child. As I walked through the many rooms and saw how many different ways the Nativity scene can be displayed I wondered at the journey that Mary and Joseph had taken into Bethlehem. How hard it must have been on Mary and how patient Joseph must have been to urge the donkey on and to take great care of Mary. I thought of how many Inns Mary and Joseph must have come to and been turned away from. And the one Inn Keeper who had compassion on Mary and offered his stable for shelter. How hard must it have been for Mary to give birth in such circumstances. Then to wrap her baby and only be able to lay Him in a manger. Did her heart break? I don't know but I do know on that Silent, Holy Night so long ago our Savior was born and what a miracle that was.
In one of the rooms they had a life size display and costumes where you could dress up and have your pictures taken of the Nativity scene. They did ask that no pictures be taken except in this room. Easton was a sheep, Emma an angel, Jackson a wiseman, Jess was Joseph and I was Mary. Easton was in awe over the baby. And kept giving the doll that represented the baby Jesus kisses. Kneeling by the manger with my son so eager to love the baby Jesus I felt a little overwhelmed and wondered how I would capture this love he had and make sure he keeps that love of his Savior with him always. I wondered if Mary felt overwhelmed at the thought of raising the son of God. And I decided that she had great faith that Heavenly Father would bless her with all that she needed to teach and raise her son and so it is with me and my children.

My sweet children couldn't get enough of the manger scene. How grateful I am that my husband has the same convictions as I do and that teaching our children to walk in righteousness is at the top of our list of things to do. I am so thankful for a gentle and loving husband who is also an amazing father. We loved seeing the cresche displays from all over the world and seeing the many different ways this sacred scene is brought to life.

And now as this season is just getting started, Sarah and I are practicing for performances and we even have a FHE program all ready to go. I just hope that I will be able to make it throuh without crying. And even though it is busy between kids, work and practicing I still have time to enjoy the season and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.

--J