Appreciating the Anticipation of the Empty Manger

As a child, the nativity scene was always placed on top of the record player in our family room. My parents received it as a wedding gift, and it was a central part of my gathering close to the story of Jesus’ birth from an early age. Each year, it was my job to pull the figures out of their styrofoam molded storage spots and place them in the scene.  Mary and Joseph waited there for a few weeks with the shepherds, sheep, donkeys, and even an angel (sometimes precariously) perched on the roof.  The manger was empty, and the magi (aka wise men… aka three kings)  were placed on the furthest windowsill.  Once a day, someone took a turn moving the magi just a little closer to "Bethlehem." After all, the journey from the East was really far, right?

I would beg for Jesus to be taken out of the drawer so I could use the complete scene like they were action figures on an epic journey.  My parents would decline the request because “it wasn’t time yet.”  

The kid in me didn’t like to see the empty hole in the story.  The whole thing felt wrong without Jesus there "asleep in the hay."  The adult in me feels differently.  I have learned to appreciate the anticipation of the empty manger.  In a world where back to school, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are one continuous shopping season, I like waiting just a minute for Jesus to show up.  

Chances are, if your nativity scene is set up already, Jesus is snuggled in, and the magi are standing at attention with their gifts. My invitation to you is to take Jesus out until Christmas Eve.  Allow yourself to feel the longing of his arrival for the last few days of Advent.  Place the magi at a distance and accompany them on their daily journey until Epiphany (January 6), when we celebrate their arrival.  As you move the figures, consider what gifts you could offer Jesus this year.  Could you get involved in a new ministry?  Could you find ways to be generous? Could you commit to spending time in prayer and conversation with him?  

It is possible to make space for Jesus in your heart and schedule in countless ways. Hold Jesus' figure in your hands as you consider how you might “meet him anew” this year, or simply close your eyes and imagine Jesus with you in that space of prayer. I trust he will meet you there.

Love and Light, 

Emily + 

The Rev. Emily E. Given

P.S. If you don’t have a nativity scene in your home, after-Christmas sales are the perfect time to find a good deal on something that can serve as a spiritual inspiration for years to come. 

P.P.S  The picture above is the actual nativity scene from my childhood home.