It still stands!

I have been driving past this lovely, and beloved creche each morning on my way to school.  Each morning as I sit in traffic I ponder it’s significance.  I think how our town still proudly gathers together to erect a nativity in the middle of town each year.   I ponder what it represents in a world that is trying the take the Christ out of Christmas.  I admire it’s simple beauty. It’s the same simple, and humble beauty that sent Jesus to this earth on a lowly night in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago.

I am also reminded of the “battle” that took place to keep this creche in town.  The story of God’s handiwork in that creche is such a great story I just wanted to share it with you.  It really warms my heart each year when I see Jesus, Joseph and Mary right smack in the middle of our town.  So allow me to indulge you a bit in the history of this creche.

Back in 1994 several residents asked the ACLU to step in and see if this nativity was even allowed to be displayed in town.  The lawyers first demanded the nativity be taken down. They complained such a “religious” figure had no place in any town.  In an effort to combat the ACLU, many in our town gathered together one COLD December night right in the middle of the town square to pray, we even had recording artist Wayne Watson come and sing a few Christmas songs. It was a heartwarming event, yet we were all unsure as to what would become of the beloved creche. After the lawyers researched for weeks the ownership of the little tract of land in the center of town that the nativity sits on……..they found out that the local Moravian Church that originally founded the town in the mid 1700s’ still owns the square!! Since it stands on private property the nativity can still be displayed each year at Christmas.  Amazing isn’t it?

I always admire the the simple beauty of this magnificent symbol. It’s the same simple, and humble beauty that sent Jesus to this earth on a lowly night in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. That is why our family celebrates Christmas! Thank you God that a precious nativity can still stand in my town and be a strong, visual reminder to all that pass by that your birth and sacrifice is the true reason we celebrate Christmas.