There was the baby, lying in the manger
This simple Nativity was made from a portion of a tree branch. It can remain open or fold up into the branch’s original cylindrical shape. The simple and rustic design of this piece reminds us of the basic surroundings where Jesus was born. Though he was a king, he born in a stable. It was shepherds, not government officials, that came to see him immediately after his birth.
If Jesus were born today in Nairobi, I don’t think he would be born in big house in Gigiri (a nice part of town where the US embassy is located); I think he would be born in Kibera–Nairobi’s largest slum. His guests? Maybe the lady that sells eggs, or the man that sharpens knives…or maybe even Matatu (word for the local mini-buses) drivers.
These evergreen tree ornaments made of soapstone remind us of the everlasting life that Jesus came to give us. His birth was just the beginning of that story. 33 years later, he fulfilled his mission when he died on a cross and rose from the dead. Because of his sacrifice, we can all choose to enjoy a special union with God. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus–Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
He is stills waits for us today to make a choice to begin a special and intimate relationship with him. Revelations 3:20 (NLT), “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.“
From the Bible, the book of Luke Chapter 21 Verses 1-7 and 15-20, New Living Translation (an English translation)
1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
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15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
From the Bible, the book of Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 1-7 and 15-20, Arabic Life Application Bible (an Arabic translation). Arabic is a second-language and language of wider-communication in many northern African countries.
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