International Nativity Sets
Some of my favorite decorations to put out for the Christmas season are the nativity sets. Early in our marriage Kim and I made sure we had a nice nativity set to be used as part of our annual Christmas tradition. Through the years, we have added to our collection with various sets. Some of my favorite are those that come from various parts of the world. Although we don’t have too many of them, we now have sets from Peru, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Bethlehem, Israel.
As I look at our international nativity sets I am reminded of the fact that when Jesus came to this earth as a baby he didn’t come for just one particular group of people or one particular nation. He wasn’t born into this world to save a few select people. Rather, he came because, “God so loved the world….” (John 3:13)
When the angels announced the birth of Jesus, they proclaimed “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14 – NIV) Notice they didn’t proclaim peace and goodwill to the Jews or to the Romans or to any other particular nation or group of people. Rather, the peace and favor of God was being extended to all people.
One Christmas song says,
“Some children see Him lily white; the infant Jesus born this night
Some children see Him lily white with tresses soft and fair
Some children see Him bronzed and brown the Lord of heav`n to earth come down
Some children see Him bronzed and brown with dark and heavy hair
Some children see Him almond-eyed; This Saviour whom we kneel beside
Some children see Him almond-eyed; With skin of yellow hue!
Some children see Him dark as they; Sweet Mary`s Son to whom we pray
Some children see Him dark as they; And, ah! they love Him so!
The children in each different place; Will see the Baby Jesus` face
Like theirs but bright with heav`nly grace; And filled with holy light!
O lay aside each earthly thing; and with thy heart as offering
Come worship now the infant King; `tis love that`s born tonight!
Words and Music by Wihla Hutson and Alfred Burt
Some children see Him lily white with tresses soft and fair
Some children see Him bronzed and brown the Lord of heav`n to earth come down
Some children see Him bronzed and brown with dark and heavy hair
Some children see Him almond-eyed; This Saviour whom we kneel beside
Some children see Him almond-eyed; With skin of yellow hue!
Some children see Him dark as they; Sweet Mary`s Son to whom we pray
Some children see Him dark as they; And, ah! they love Him so!
The children in each different place; Will see the Baby Jesus` face
Like theirs but bright with heav`nly grace; And filled with holy light!
O lay aside each earthly thing; and with thy heart as offering
Come worship now the infant King; `tis love that`s born tonight!
Words and Music by Wihla Hutson and Alfred Burt
The sentiment of the song is true. Jesus came for each and every person, no matter the color of their skin or their nation of origin. God has loved us all. Thus, each of us is called to respond to him with faith, praise and worship.
This Christmas remember: no matter who you are or where you have come from, Jesus came for you!
Have a great day!
Pastor Tim Harris
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