Some of you know — some of you don’t (of course), but the one thing I collect is manger scenes. Over the years, I have been given so many beautiful manger scenes. And I pretty much have resolved that I cannot buy any more for myself. But sometimes I get overwhelmed by a particular thing. Like last week, I picked up one I’ve been wanting a long time, but could not afford. It is the Willow Tree one, and I found the Nativity and the Shepherds and stable animals at a shop in the mall. It would have been $100.00 (Already a bargain, I am told) but they had 40% off everything in the store. And that made it $60.00. And then I had a new credit card that I was going to use one time since I was supposed to have $50.00 off my first purchase. So I got it for $10.00!!! (I was beyond pleased!) Middle Daughter already has her bid in for it, and I may just give it to her. You see, there is more to this story.
Probably ten years ago, Middle Daughter bought me this exquisite manger scene from Sam’s Club:
It was worth far more than she paid for it, but it was still a sacrificial gift for her. We always put it on the mantle. We always set it up almost the same each year, and for us and for our children, it is part of the Christmas traditions that we love so much. I never put it up, though, that I don’t remember that teen-ager who saw this beautiful set, knew that I would treasure it always, and made it her business to get it for me. I love the manger scene, Deborie, but I love you more.
Tonight it seems like my family is so scattered — Eldest Son in Nepal, Youngest Son in Cedarville, and Daddy in Heaven. There are so many things to fill our hearts and heads at this time of our lives. But where ever you are, Raph, if you’re reading this, we miss you, and we remember how much you loved this season, and we think of you at every turn. And Lem, it won’t be long until we see you again, but nothing seems right without your enthusiastic exclamations, and we miss you, too. I’m so thankful for my tall sons — and I am reminded that when God wanted to show His inexpressible love for us, He sent His Son. I wonder how God felt that night when His only begotten Son became a helpless baby in a quiet Judean town. And He knew! He KNEW that it wouldn’t be easy for His Son. But He sent Him anyhow. For me. For you. For us.
What wondrous love is this?
Delaware Grammy 
Yes … a wondrous love. A most selfless, wondrous love.
Your manger scene is so pretty. What a great thing to collect. The kids and I got Mom’s out the other day and they set it up. Guess I should get ours out, too. Just seems like too much trouble. I’d kind of like all the expected festivities to go away this year. You know??
That is a neat thing to collect. Would love to see the willow tree one.
A beautiful picture, Mary Ann. And an even more beautiful story and tribute to your family.
Just like you are treasuring His Love, your children will treasure yours!
What a lovely set. I have two sets one is an old one( not the nicest) that I bought at goodwill in Alaska. The other one is a cute Precious Moment set that a friend made for me when we were first married. I keep thinking that I ought to invest in a nicer one .
I am glad that I still get goosebumps when thinking about that gift to us.
Lovely post1 Lovely musix!
I dearly love manger scenes. That Willow Tree one was quite the deal of the year! Thanks for your comment on my post – you are so encouraging.
I’ve been “out of the Xanga loop” and didn’t read your Dec.04 post until now and am catching up. But your Mon. post was most ,may I say, “memorable”? What a day that was! Hope all are well and rested now. Sounds like that $10 purchase would make everything better. ryc: I was trying to post pictures and for some reason they would not post until I eliminated the beautiful pre-made lay out. I didn’t create it. It was from layouts by rayray. She has some beautiful ones that do it all for you. I tried to post a composite of pictures from throughout the past year. Spent over an hour on it and then it wouldn’t post. I settled for my fruit cake picture for now. I love fruit cake but doubt if my 25 cent one would be any where near as delicious as the one your received……….doubt if you’d trade with me either would you?
You do have lovely manger scenes. Any one who enters your decorated home will certainly know what you belive about Christmas. It’s all beautiful.
I collect manger scenes too. I think I have 5 now. I just have no place to display them- because it is crowded in this household:) I have the main part of the Willow Tree one. The one that I have wanted for about 3 yrs and haven’t got yet – but almost did (there is a story behind this:) is the Little People nativity. They are about $50 – but I could put it down and my children could play with it.
Hey mom, you heard from raph?? If you do let me know…i threw out a pair of his socks tonight…that i stole from him. It was such a little thing but it made me realize all the more that i havn’t really got to hang out with him for 16 months now…the process of throwing those dumb socks away made me kinda Melancholy. *sigh* See you in nine days!! -Lem
Mary, last night at Revival meetings several people came to me and shared how meaningful your devotional was at Sewing Circle. I wish you could share it here on Xanga. I could cry that I missed it.