Come to the Manger

A self-guided Advent Devotional

As we wait for Christmas to arrive and prepare ourselves again for Jesus’ birth
celebration, we invite you to use this collection of nativity sets from Pastor Bob and Jill
as a devotional activity through the season of Advent.

Each nativity has a devotional thought connected to it. You may use any or all of them, in
order or randomly. Each set is numbered to make it easier for you to find the set that
corresponds to the devotional, following:

Narthex Nativities

1 This golden tableau includes Fra Angelica angels, a shimmering nativity,

sparkling trees and a shining star. Consider the richness of the golden elements
and how much more precious are God’s gifts to us than any gold or riches.

2 A cuddly nativity – reminding us that children need cuddling and nurturing –

including the baby Jesus. How do you “cuddle” Jesus now?

3 White is often associated with purity. What is God’s purest expression of love in
your life?

4 Have fun rearranging this set and think of the times when you’ve been lost in play
at Christmastime. Thank God for the fun in your life.

5 This humble set is one of the first used with little children. The plastic pieces and
cardboard stable are unbreakable. Think about God’s unbreakable love for you.

6 Burlap is rough fabric and this Guatemalan nativity reminds us that Jesus was
born into a poor family.

7 What unexpected animal is in the background of this simple nativity plaque from
El Salvador? Pray for the gift of God’s surprises for you during Advent.

Lounge Nativities

On the large table there are a variety of nativities. Consider the infinite variety of God’s
creation for our use and care.

8 Look at the kings near the woven star. How are they alike/different? Consider
how you are like/different from participants in the original Christmas. Pray for
those like you. Pray for those different from you. Pray for yourself. Look at the
book on the top of the display – notice it’s star-shaped. Think of the Christmas
star pointing the way for the wise men. How do we point the way for others?
9 This gourd has been transformed into a beautiful object for Christmas. How have
you been transformed by God’s presence in your life?

10 In this nativity, children play the parts. Who is missing? Who is missing in your
life or the life of someone you love? Pray for those who are missing – pray for
those who are missed.

11 This 1950s cardboard nativity folds flat each year for storage. Consider what you
store in your heart between Christmas celebrations. Do you need to let something
go? Pray for release from anything that separates you from God’s love.

12 This small resin set from Germany doesn’t have separate elements. Consider how
we’re all connected through Jesus.

13 This 3D Christmas book has pieces that can be moved throughout the story. How
do you move throughout Advent to get closer to Jesus?

14 In this white set, Joseph is looking over Mary and Jesus and the wise men are on
the lowest level. Think about the role of father figures in your life and consider
how they are more important than any ruler, lawmaker or “wise men” of today.

15 This section includes nativities made with simple elements like straw, craft sticks,
clothespins, toothpicks, fabric and wood. They are made from olive wood from
the holy land, clay from Peru, painted white pine, wheat straw from Bangladesh.
What do these humble elements from diverse places mean to you as you prepare
for Christ’s-mass?

16 The flight into Egypt is depicted here. One formed with wire and straw, made in
Uganda. The other shows a more mature Joseph with the teenaged Mary. Who is
carrying Jesus in each? Consider the roles of mothers and fathers carrying on the
faith by nurturing young children.

17 This traditional European set depicts both Jesus and Mary with blonde hair. How
do you picture Jesus and Mary? How do you think people in other cultures picture
the nativity scene? Pray for understanding and acceptance between cultures.

18 This simple set is missing a piece. What was Joseph leaning on? Think of what
you hold onto during times of turmoil and upheaval. Pray for God’s leading.

19 An abstract wooden nativity conveys its meaning using simple shapes. Pray to be
awakened to the beauty of simplicity during Advent.

20 Who is missing from this traditional nativity scene? Is there someone you are
missing today? Remember that person and know that God is with them and you.
21 These holy families are connected. The top shelf depicts only the parents and the
middle shelf shows a mother, father and baby enclosed in each other’s embrace.
Pray for parents with empty nests. Give thanks to God for God’s embrace of all
families.

22 The wise men come bringing gifts. What is the best gift you’ve given to
someone? To community? To God?

23 Purple and gold are the traditional colors for royalty. A child-king was born –
how would this have upset the powers that be?

24 A golden halo surrounds this depiction of the holy family. Imagine the warm sun
shining on your face, your back, the top of your head. Thank God for the warmth
of the sun and the warmth of human love.

25 Hold a piece of this pewter set in your hand. Feel its weight and substance.
Meditate on the solidity of God’s presence in your life.

26 A tiny walnut shell from Germany houses a petite nativity. God in the smallest
detail – what a wonder – consider the smallest things in your life and give thanks.

27 A transparent nativity – think of yourself as transparent, clear and clean as this

set. Allow all the negativity, worry and stress to drain away from you. Think of
the power of Jesus to cleanse.

28 Why are there only 2 wise men in this set? How many wise men were there in the
first Christmas? What gifts did they bring? What gift do you have for Jesus this
year?

29 A miniature set to hang on a tree. What piece would you hang first? Next? Last?
Consider all those who believe in Jesus as part of a worldwide nativity set. Who
would you place first? Who or what would complete your set?

Thank you for sharing this Advent devotional with us. May God bless you this season
of preparation and always.