TERRE HAUTE —
I have a collection of manger scenes. Seventeen, as a matter of fact. A small one, about two inches by three, was purchased in the Holy Land and is carved out of olive wood. It was given to me a couple of weeks ago by a dear friend (thank you, Norma) because she wanted to add to my collection.
I’ve got three nativity sets that were purchased on short term mission trips to Honduras. My husband bought a fragile set of angels, animals and Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus that are made from corn husks. Doug wrapped it in several layers of newspaper and tissue paper and held it on his lap on the flight from Tegucigalpa to Indianapolis. The other two are carved from clay by Honduran women and children and sold from booths on the street corners of San Pedro Sula.
My manger scenes adorn my windows, tables, and one rests under the tree. Each time I look at them, I remember that Joseph’s heart was full of courage; Mary’s heart was full of obedience; the shepherd’s hearts were full of worship.
But I have one manger scene that is worthless. It has no meaning whatsoever. I don’t even know why I keep it around, but maybe I can’t let go of it because of what that manger scene tells me about the condition of my own heart.
On the surface, this poor little manger scene looks perfectly normal. The angel over the stable is singing under the shining star, Mary and Joseph look sufficiently humbled by what had just happened. The shepherds are properly worshipping, the wise men have brought their gifts, and even the animals look reverent. But something very important is missing. Jesus. There is no manger filled with hay, no little one wrapped in swaddling clothes, no reason for them all to be gathered around a stable in a crowded city in the middle of the night.
No Jesus. No reason for the manger. No Jesus. No one to worship. No Jesus. No reason for the shepherds to leave their flocks. No Jesus. No king for the wise men to seek. No Jesus.
Are our hearts like that no-Jesus manger scene? Do we forget that it is all about Jesus? In the midst of the holiday baking, the purchasing of gifts, the decking of the halls, the traveling to Grandma’s, are we guilty of forgetting what this is all about?
Christmas is about a Baby born in a manger so He could go to the cross and die for our sins. Christmas is about Jesus, the child born to set the world free.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” (Isaiah 9:6.)
Jesus. The manger scene without Him has no meaning. Jesus. Any Christmas celebration without Him has no meaning, either.
Jesus. He is the reason for the season.
Verna Davis, speaker and writer, maybe reached at vrdspeaks@yahoo.com.
Religion
THE JOY LADY: Do we forget that Christmas is all about Jesus?
- Religion
-
-
I admit it. I cry. A lot.
I admit it. I cry. A lot. I cry when I watch TV, for those Hallmark commercials get me every time. I have even cried while watching reruns of Law and Order, for goodness’ sake!
-
Church briefs: May 19, 2012
Church briefs
-
Don’t let a grudge rob you of living in peace with others
In 1870, Julia Ward Howe asked for “all women in all places to all rise up and oppose all wars.” She called it A Mother’s Day for Peace. The idea never caught on.
-
Church Briefs: May 12, 2012
Church briefs
-
THE JOY LADY: A few last words that should be taken to heart
My husband and I rarely argue. The more we live together, the more we agree with each other, and we have found that arguing just isn’t worth the effort.
- Church Briefs: April 28, 2012
-
THE JOY LADY: April 28, 2012
Last Sunday, as we do most every Sunday, my husband and I went out for dinner after church with some friends.
-
Christian recording artist endorses Valley author’s book
Bryan Duncan, Dove and Grammy award-winning contemporary Christian music pioneer singer and songwriter, recently endorsed Clay County author Marjorie E. Hopkins’ book.
“Dying to Meet Him: Wit and Wisdom from a Funeral Director’s Wife,” is a “must read,” Duncan said. -
Indiana female priest challenges Catholic church
A former Catholic nun went through an ordination ceremony in Indianapolis to become a priest in defiance of the church’s ban on women becoming priests.
-
CHURCH BRIEFS: April 14, 2012
Terre Haute St. Stephen’s Episcopal
Services Sunday in the historic church at 217 N. Seventh St. include Eucharists at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday school and middle/high school youth group meet at 9 a.m. Afterward, join the camaraderie, coffee and conversation in the Great Hall. -
THE JOY LADY: Worship never has been and never will be about us
King David was a mighty warrior, a popular leader, a talented musician and a prolific hymn writer.
-
Seminar on ‘Caring for the Barren Woman’
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church at 645 Poplar St. in Terre Haute, across from Vigo County Public Library, invites the greater Terre Haute community to a free seminar at 11:30 a.m. April 21.
-
Easter services at St. Mary-of-the-Woods: A Miracle Retold
The miracle of a risen Christ doesn’t stop at an empty tomb, church leaders told the devout on a brilliant Sunday morning.
-
Ministry to screen families for free food distribution
Covenant Cooperative Ministry will begin screening 400 families by taking applications
-
THE JOY LADY: Perhaps we understand what we want and disregard the rest
March Madness is over, and I’m going to miss all those wonderful basketball games on TV. I don’t understand how people aren’t inspired by a game of basketball.
-
Church to offer Financial Peace University series
New Providence Presbyterian Church announces an upcoming Financial Peace University class series for all area residents beginning at 2 p.m. CDT April 15 at the church at 1751 N. 2250th St. in Paris.
-
Church briefs: April 7, 2012
Children’s Religious Education begins at 10:50 - There are two groups, youth ages 5 to 9 and Tweens, ages 10 and up. Child care for younger children is provided for the entire service.
-
THE JOY LADY: In April or any month, you’re foolish if you deny God for lack of understanding
On April 1, 1957, BBC reporter Richard Dimbleby announced that because of an extremely mild winter, the dreaded spaghetti weevil was virtually eliminated.
- CHURCH BRIEFS: March 31, 2012
-
Interactive ‘Passion in the Park’ beginning Thursday in Fairbanks Park
An interactive nondenominational community-performed drama of the Easter story, “Passion in the Park,” will be staged Thursday through April 8 at Fairbanks Park. Nightly shows will be at 6, 7 and 8 p.m.
-
Sisters of Providence plan ‘Come and See Weekend’ April 13-15
The Sisters of Providence will host a “Come and See Weekend” April 13-15 at St. Mary-of-the-Woods. Catholic women ages 18-42 who are considering a call to apostolic religious life are invited to attend.
-
THE JOY LADY: ADo you ever wonder if people frustrate God?
Throughout the years, our family has had its share of pets. We’ve loved and buried hamsters, tropical fish, little bitty turtles, dogs, cats and other assorted critters.
- RELIGION BRIEFS: March 24, 2012
- RELIGION BRIEFS: March 24, 2012
-
Wise men and women are always learning
Reality has hit me like a medicine cabinet full of Metamucil. I am officially — oh, dare I say it — growing older.
-
‘Make It, Bake It, Grow It’ dinner and auction set
Armstrong United Methodist Church, on U.S. 40, east of Marshall, Ill., will host its 11th annual “Make It, Bake It, Grow It” dinner and auction on March 24.
-
Church Briefs, March 17, 2012
Church briefs
-
Our eyes should always look to Jesus, our faces reflecting God
Mothers fixate on the faces of their children. Not necessarily the beauty of said face … but because of the dirt. “Why didn’t you wash behind your ears? There’s enough dirt back there to plant a garden.”
-
Church plans ‘Beatletudes’ concert for tornado victims
Memorial United Methodist Church is planning a benefit event, “The Beatletudes,” for the tornado victims in southern Indiana.
-
Applications being accepted for Providence Associates
The Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods are currently accepting applications from persons interested in becoming Providence Associates for the 2012-2013 year.
- More Religion Headlines
-
I admit it. I cry. A lot.
Astrodome Fades As Houston Decides Fate
Franciscan Files Tell Stories of Priest Abuse
Flight Diverted After Suspicious Note
Panel Recommends Against Routine Prostate Test
Wildfire Destroys 2 Homes
Remains of Veterans Found in Basement Are Buried
Fired Lingerie Employee Claims Discrimination
Giant Bull Head Draws Drivers to South Dakota
Secret Service Boss: 'I Apologize'
Joplin Remembers Deadly Tornado, 1 Year Later
Egyptians Vote in Historic Presidential Election
8 Hurt in Oklahoma Shooting After NBA Playoff
Blacks Seek to Find Their Own Missing
Serial Stabbings Suspect Guilty of Murder
Joplin Marches to 'Remember' Tornado Victims
Daisy Sizzles in Sexy Swimwear
Boy to Rescuers: 'Do You Have a Plan?'
Facebook Shares Continue Negative Slide
US Airways: Diverted Flight Has 'Landed Safely'
A Few Odd Business Sparks but Europe Gloomy
Raw Video: Tornado Appears During Wedding
Kristen Stewart says no shame in explicit love scenes
Bonus: Tan Mom Goes Nude
Daycare worker burns child’s face with chemicals
Kanye West Wants Kim Kardashian to Look More Natural Like Kate Middleton
Tornado Touches Down During Wedding
Snooki Reveals Sex of Baby
Toddler Drives Toy Into Traffic
Homeowner in boxers fights robbers on front lawn
Boys Like Girls Reveal Album Release: Bamboozle 2012
911 Operator Asleep During Emergency Call
FIRST LOOK: 'The Great Gatsby' Trailer
Creative dad makes Photoshop magic with daughters
Donald Driver, 'DWTS' Winner & Thriller Killer?
KTLA Video EXCLUSIVE: Mother, Children Struck by Van
Long Story Short: Miley Cyrus: Sex is magic
American Idol Finale Recap: Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez Face Off for Last Time
PETA protesters barbeque a human
Michael McKean Struck By Car
