By some religious calendars, today is called Epiphany. It is a Christian feast celebrating the coming of the Magi (who were not Jews) to recognize Jesus as King. For us their visit signals the reality that Jesus came to all the world, for anyone who would believe – not just one nation.
In addition to the celebration, it marks the official end of Christmas and is sort of deadline for getting your Christmas decorations down. We’ve already boxed up ours… but several people have asked me about our nativity tradition so I thought I’d take today to share a bit more about it. Perhaps it’s an idea that you can file away for next year. (Actually, it’s a great time to buy the nativity set as most such items are being clearanced from toy store shelves right now!)
As I mentioned in my December 16th post, we start with a Playmobile nativity set. It’s not the most beautiful set you’ll ever find but it’s pretty indestructible. It’s very hands-on and the kids love it. (In fact, a few years ago we bought a second set that sits in storage so that we can send each of the kids off with their own when they’re ready to start their family traditions someday.)
Right after Thanksgiving I set up the stable with the animals and even put the shepherd tending his sheep on a hill nearby. The scene stays that way until the evening of December 21st when we start reading the Biblical account and adding figures to the scene.
On the 21st, we read Luke 1:26-38 and introduce Mary along with the angel. Rick reads the passage, allowing the kids to “act out” the characters with the Playmobile figures. We highlight the fact that “nothing is impossible with God” and I close by praying.
On the 22nd, we read Matthew 1:18-24 and introduce Joseph (also with the angel). On this night we underscore the angel’s message that Jesus is “Emmanuel, God with us” and that “He will save his people from their sins.”
On the 23rd we read Luke 2:1-7, which is the account of Jesus’ actual birth. I know, I know. Christmas isn’t until the 25th, right? Why are we reading about the birth on the 23rd?I assure you, there is a method to our madness! This schedule allows us to finish the story on the 25th with the record of the Magi and the exchanging of gifts.
On the 24th,we read Luke 2:8-20 and talk about the shepherds. Rick and I love this part of the story because it underscores the fact that the angels announced this amazing news to regular people. They didn’t go to the religious elite or announce it in the temple. The first hearers of the Good News were normal, work-a-day people like you and me.
On the morning of the 25th we read Matthew 2:1-2 & 7-12 and introduce the Magi. We talk about their journey to find Jesus and their insightful gifts: gold, a gift for a King; frankincense, a gift for Deity; and myrhh, a gift for the dead. That’s our Jesus: King of Kings, God incarnate, and the One who die on our behalf.
Then we pray and exchange our own gifts.
Caleb was 4- and Madison 2-years-old when we started this tradition. Both of them would tell you that it’s a favorite part of the holiday season for them. Usually they also get a glass of eggnog and a Christmas cookie after we read and we end the evening with hope and joy. Our conversations have gotten a little more intense as they get older and begin to really wrestle with the idea that God took on flesh and became a baby for our sakes. It’s fun for Rick and I to see the tradition growing with them a bit.
It’s a simple tradition and it’s certainly not the only one out there. I know other families who do other neat things to celebrate. Some years, we add other things to our Advent celebration. Those come and go as we see fit. But, this one is our constant and it helps us keep our eyes on Jesus in a very tangible way.
If it can serve you in some way, great. If not, thanks for letting me share a bit of our McKee family tradition with you.
