The First Noel the Angels did say
Was to Certain Poor shepherds in fields as they lay,
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep.
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel!
Born is the King of Israel!
Traditional English Carol, 17th Century
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I bought my main nativity 22 years ago. It was the first year of our marriage. It had been a very tough year for us. Among other things, my husband had been out of a job for six months and had just recently started a new job. One weekend in November my boss offered us a stay at his cabin at Sea Ranch, California. We spent a wonderful weekend recreating on the coast. We drove up the coast to the little town of Mendocino where we found this nativity set in a small gift shop. We also were interested in dining at, what I recall now, was a Russian restaurant in Mendocino. When I found this nativity, I was much more interested in it than dining; our finances would only allow one or the other. So we bought the nativity, and skipped the dinner, and I have always loved it. It is white with a gray wash. The detail of the nativity enchants me.
On this shepherd's face, there is a look of awe that I am sure was on the shepherds' face of long ago when the Angel appeared to them as "they were keeping their sheep."
I am joyfully participating in Lyn's "Reason for the Season." I do a lot of baking and making during the holiday season, but there would be no Christmas without Christ! He is our Saviour and our Redeemer. He made it possible for us to repent and to live again with our loved ones.
I am hosting a "It's Your Wonderful Life" Party where you can win a Mrs. Christmas Apron. Click HERE for more information.
What a beautiful post. We are gotten so far from the real meaning of Christmas. We have several nativities but the one dearest to our hearts is the origami nativity made and given to us, piece by piece, over many years by a neighbor who had nothing more to give. It is precious to us. Thanks for sharing yours.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful nativity Joni. I love the color and style of it. Perfect for all of the white interiors that are so popular. The faces are so expressive and I love angels! Very nice.
ReplyDeleteSherry
beautiful! I so remember the days some 20 years ago when we went with "either" instead of "both" and that time was som much simpler!
ReplyDeleteanne
It's beautiful and was a great choice! I gave mine away to my daughter this year, I kind of miss it! ;D
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story Joni! The dinner would have lasted one night, but you'll have the nativity forever-I love it! The detail is great, and I'm lovin' the little Shepard holding the lamb! Thanks so much for joining in:@)
ReplyDeleteI love your Nativity. It is really lovely and think about the many years of joy it as brought you! You made a good choice~ :)
ReplyDeleteWow, what a neat story! Simply beautiful!
ReplyDeleteOh, Joni! What a beautiful story behind your treasured Nativity! You certainly make the right choice!
ReplyDeleteBorn is the KING OF ISRAEL! Yes indeed!
Yvonne
The Nativity is lovely and such a touching story how it came into your home. We too had many hard years where extras were few and far between! Now I've forgotten all the struggles and all I remember are the good times!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful nativity. I have never seen anything like it before. What a great post!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet way to celebrate your first Christmas together. I love the choice that you made to purchase your beautiful nativity. Memories like this make Christmas extra merry for me! Thanks Joni.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Joni! ~ Sarah
ReplyDeleteHi Joni! Love your beautiful nativity set, and the sweet memories you have that come with it!! Wishing you blessings and lots of holiday fun in the days ahead. It's been terribly cold here, with daytime temps in the teens, so it's perfect weather for Christmas cookie baking!!! ~tina
ReplyDeleteVery nice, wise choice and so much more long lasting. I tried to get my nativity pictures done but the lighting just wasn't right and I had the pizza party for YM/YW so I skipped ahead to my tablescape which was ready. I think I will try for Christmas Eve. Of course, none of mine have such a great story as that. People have already tried the toffee. Hope I can make it by myself. Jean said she was jealous she couldnt be there too.
ReplyDeleteWell I doubt mine is more organized did you see that closet? I love this Nativity especially because of how you acquired it. Choosing the Nativity over food, what a sweet story to look back on! I think you made a good choice, hungry but good!
ReplyDeleteMegan
Joni...I love your story...reminds me of the O. Henry, Gift of the Magi story. Sweet memories and moments! Your nativity is gorgeous and I probably would have gone without dinner for a month to have it :)
ReplyDeleteCHRISTmas Blessings!
Gail
Thanks for sharing your wonderful Nativity story. So sweet. I have many nativities up that are meaningful to me too. I appreciate your reminder about remembering our Savior. Thanks, Joni:) BTW, I love the snow on your blog. It's the only snow that I'll experience this Christmas:)
ReplyDeletethat was so sweet. I loved your story and thanks for helping us all remember the reason for our season is Christ!!
ReplyDelete