Friday, December 5, 2008

The Nativity and Mary

Surprise. We are still getting out our Christmas stuff. At least we are having fun doing it. Setting up the Nativity set brings back thoughts Nativity sets in my past. (I love this peaceful set..)

Growing up, every year my mom would get out her set that she bought in Brazil on her mission.
I remember looking at each piece..and we were always to be careful the the Shepard's staff. My mom would always put out the cool Angel Hair.
Early in my mom-hood days, I painted this set at super Saturday. Yes..like all my Super Saturday projects...this one has lots of "character."
I was in the thick of it chasing babies around..trying to keep up with the laundry and make Christmas memories for the kids. Pretty much chaos. By the end of this set's first season all the pieces had fallen over except for the praying Mary. (no matter how many times I would fix it). I would walk past the set and think of the strength of Mary in the thick of a scary...exciting time. She stood out to me in her praying, non-falling down ways.
Another nativity set that has joined our household is the Little People set. It was great because the kiddos could play with the pieces. We had it out last year. Somehow while putting it away last year, Mary didn't get to join her crew. An organized mom would, when finding the misplaced piece, put it away so that we would be able to have the set together. That is not how I roll. Mary has been popping up in the strangest places all year long. I am happy to say that she has been reunited with her family.
I will miss her...and the hints of Christmas she brought me all year long. Maybe I will keep out for another year.

7 comments:

Scrappycook said...

I love nativities - we only have three, but my mother collects them and has dozens. Are you going to the nativity display this weekend at the Minneapolis Stake Center?

Holly Thatcher said...

We have the Little People set too. I love it.

Cynthia said...

Great post, Cath. Thanks for helping me remember Mary and her profound role in the Nativity. I am totally stealing this idea for my next Friday favorites.

ps...I think you did a great job on your Super Saturday one, but I know when I do projects that turn out less-than-stellar I just say the kids made it. :)

Unknown said...

I will enjoy your nativity scenes, because (dare I write the truth?)...
I don't have one!

Julie W said...

Cathy, glad I found you and your blog. I looked back a few months but will have to come back again when I have more time. I just sent you an invite for mine. Hope you come visit mine. I loved seeing some of those 80's pictures from facebook. That's when we meet.

Maren said...

What a beautiful post - Mary is a great inspiration for Moms everywhere. I tell you right now, at 8+ months pregnant, I would not be looking kindly at a donkey.

Mark and Tara Christiansen said...

I love the Nativities. This year we traveled to Burnet, TX and saw a minature of Bethlaham followed by a live nativity. It was such a wonderful way to start our holiday.