A single figure in a Nativity scene caught me off guard, looking away from the manger and straight at the congregation. That "out-of-place" gaze sparked a profound realization: before we can look at the manger, we must first make room in our own hearts.
Making the Heart Ready for Christ
It was December 1st, the First Saturday Mass.
Our son attended CCD formation classes some years ago. As part of the curriculum, the students are required to attend the 9 AM Masses on the first Saturday of each month dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
It was the Advent season, and the churches were decorated for Christmas so we were not surprised as we entered the church that we were greeted by the sight of beautifully decorated interiors that reflected Advent. I
It's interesting that though the colors are not complementary to each other, I would say, such as the greens, reds, silvers, and gold—all come together, and distinctly give a strong Christmas vibe.
Making Room for God Amid Distraction
Two gigantic Christmas trees were positioned on both sides of the altar, beautifully adorned with multicolored lights that hung all around them.
The twinkling brought them to life, adding a warm glow to the trees and illumination for the ornaments, creating a joyful, mesmerizing effect.
And, with the music, the ministry practicing the hymns—it was a pure delight!
To the right side of the altar was a large nativity set that could be seen clearly even from the back of the church.
This particular nativity set stirred my thoughts more than any other, and I would like to tell you why...
As I gazed at the nativity set, I noticed something that made me feel uneasy.
One of the shepherd was looking towards the congregation instead of towards the manger where Baby Jesus lay. In my mind I said, "Huh!"
I thought it was interesting. This unique depiction caught my attention and stirred my thoughts. I'm 100% sure this was the first nativity scene I've ever seen that gave me such a feeling.
I refrained from questioning or criticizing how it was presented. However, the message profoundly impacted me, as if it implored me to reflect upon it and conduct a deliberate evaluation right then and there.
It was more like one of those examine of the conscience that we're supposed to be—nightly, even.
The facial expression on his face meant something to me.
As I sat on the pew, I reflected on the message of the nativity scene and the state of my soul. I asked myself if I was prepared to visit Baby Jesus and if I was truly in a state of grace. These questions filled me with mixed emotions, and I wondered if I was the only one who felt this way.
Several things crossed my mind, such as—
"When should I go?"
- "On a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 indicates total unpreparedness, and 10 indicates being highly prepared, how prepared am I for this visit AND to make room for Him?"
When God Makes a Home in Our Hearts
Every day comes with its own set of struggles and triumphs, and it's essential to deal with each in a way that follows Jesus' teachings. As we all know, that can be a challenge on some occasions, given our fallen nature, and that we inhabit a fallen, broken world.
It is true that preparing for Christmas was not just about the festivities and the material things that we needed to cross off our list but also about our spiritual and emotional well-being.
This is another reason we are encouraged to participate in the community penance service.
Naturally, I needed God's help to keep my spirit willing to receive inspiration and guidance, just like everyone else. The enemy can attack from any direction, especially targeting our most vulnerable spots, and I cannot afford to get caught off-guard.
In conclusion, the nativity scene at the church reminded me of the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of being spiritually prepared to receive the blessings of the season.
Jesus was born to live in our hearts. Our heart, in essence, is the Bethlehem.
And remember, wherever you are in the world reading this, thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for reading! If these stories speak to your heart, I’d love to connect with you on Facebook.
Many Blessings, Emilie
A Note from my Heart
I’m Emilie, a seeker of faith who finds God in the quiet pews and the divine surprises of everyday life. I write these reflections to invite you into a slower, more soulful way of seeing the world.