On a visit to Bethlehem, Forty years ago, I bought a set of hand carved nativity figurines in a small olive wood factory stall. It contained two sheep, two oxen, one shepherd, three wise men, Joseph, Mary, a manger and an infant Jesus. There was nothing overly special about it but I loved it dearly. I have always liked to have them near me, not only at Christmas, but all year round. These little pieces of carved wood reminded me that Jesus lives in the simple small things in my life.  I can only find Him if I seek him there.

At one stage I lost one of the carved sheep (down the back of a bookcase, I think!). The one remaining sheep looked odd and out of balance. After about two years I found the wee lamb again- it was a great source of  joy to me. It was as though I had lost and found part of myself. Reflecting deeply on my little Christmas figures I realised that through the crèche God wants to be accepted as an unthreatening presence,
a God who loves to delights in us
that He/ She misses us especially when we lose our way.
He always reaches down to us and not just at Christmas time.

Come Lord Jesus

…..Our thanks to Angela Tilby,  Praying with Genesis,   www.dtlbooks.com