MamaArcher's Blog

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Monday, December 17, 2007

A Penguin at the Manger

Every year we set up a nativity set. It sits upon our piano away from little fingers that could easily break the figurines. Our children do on occasion end up getting away with playing with it. It has almost become a tradition to do something to the set to see how long it takes for mom or dad to notice. That usually means the shepherds and wise men trade places or the donkey is turned around backwards. Some may say this is inappropriate but in our home this has become a way to make sure that we are focused on the correct thing at Christmas time, our Savior. Do we really notice the nativity set or is it just another decoration? Last year was one of the most creative and we even snapped a photo. I noticed standing between Mary and Joseph gazing down at the baby Jesus was a penguin. The phrase, "There is a visitor at the manger," was repeated over and over again. Do we visit the manger? Not just the sweetness of a newborn baby and the cute scene we display but the full picture? That day, even though glorious, showed the coldness of the world. Even in rejoicing that the Savior has come, we know He came only to die. Christmas is a time of wonder, joy, love, awe, and amazement. It should also be a time when we once again acknowledge our dependence upon a holy and just God. Let us not get caught up in the sparkling lights, pretty bows, ribbons, cookies, and presents. Let us make our main focus be the same as that which the little penguin upon my piano represented. Let us be a visitor at the manger and our focus be upon the Living Lord. Merry Christmas and may God bless you as you celebrate the risen Lord.

Labels: Christianity, Christmas, newsletter

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posted at 4:51 AM
12 comments

12 Comments:

At December 17, 2007 9:06 AM, JacciM said...: Congrats, Mama Archer :) You truly have done a wonderful job of making your blog an edifying stop in the blogosphere :)Hope you enjoy the fame and goodies!
At December 17, 2007 9:10 AM, MamaArcher said...: Thank you so much! My prayer has been that this blog would be beneficial to others!
Please stop by often!!!
Blessings,
Kristine
At December 17, 2007 10:41 AM, Bunny Trails said...: What a lovely reminder, Krstine. It's so easy to set up a nativity and never think any further about it. I especially like the visitor at the manger thought. Thank you for this post.

Blessings,
Dianne :D
At December 17, 2007 10:54 AM, MamaArcher said...: Our children can teach us so much, they are the ones who put that little penguin there.
At December 17, 2007 10:59 AM, Tiany said...: Wonderful post! I couldnt agree with you more! Christmas for us is a fun time of year but we keep Jesus a daily visitor in our home all year long so when Chrsitmas time rolls around its just a month long party for us! The boys love to play our and talk about the Nativity. :-)

I love your little penguin! Great anaolgy!

Oh congrats on your win at the HSB awards! It is well deserved!
At December 17, 2007 11:04 AM, MamaArcher said...: Thank you! We keep Christ as center here all year round, often times it seems that the busyness of the season tries to push Him aside. We must not ever let that happen! :o)
Have a blessed Christmas!
At December 17, 2007 1:15 PM, SoCalWatne's said...: YOU won!!! Hurray! I'm so happy for you - you will enjoy the gifts. Me, I didn't win. Bummer. However, I got an eye opening experience behind the scenes and I'm just not up to participating in the extent I did this year again... Hmmm. I am just thrilled that someone, like you, won honestly and up right deserving!!!

Valerie
At December 17, 2007 1:36 PM, MamaArcher said...: thank you dear friend, I am really bummed that you didn't win! I am sending you an email.
At December 17, 2007 2:30 PM, Kevin Martineau said...: Great reminder to seek the right things this Christmas!

Kevin
At December 17, 2007 7:58 PM, Trish said...: Kristine, I love the penguin! What a great reminder.

Congrats on Best New Homeschooler Blog! :)

Blessings,
Trish
At December 18, 2007 7:05 PM, Joyful Days said...: I've been blessed to find your blog & this post is a so wonderful.

Peace & joy to you & your family.
At December 18, 2007 7:32 PM, MamaArcher said...: Thank you so much! I am glad you stopped by, please come again!

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