Always and Forever Nativity

Being of Jewish decent, as Jesus Christ was, I somehow always thought of him looking darker and with dark curly or bushy hair, like my Dad.

This spoke to me when I saw it. Joseph is usually a background figure in nativity depections. This hits different. Evoking the emotions I feel when holding my own babies. I imagine how Joseph and Mary felt. Big eyes looking up into yours, thinking you are the entire world when in reality, it is mutual. Deep, heavy snuggly baby cuddled sweetly in your arms. Billions of kisses. Your love multiples infinity by the second.

This is about the size of my hand. A little larger. Still a great size for a small space, missionary, neighbor gift or for the Nativity collector you love. It's got a good sturdy base and sits by itself. Beautiful on a bookshelf or piano.

Having had a rainbow baby myself, I also thought of this as that first moment getting to hold my son after my first loss. To all the parents out there who have lost a child of any age, I know that Child will ALWAYS be your baby and you will get to see them again someday in an eternal and loving heaven.

A Child Of Mine

I will lend you, for a little time,
A child of mine, He said.
For you to love the while he lives,
And mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty-two or three.
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for Me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
And should his stay be brief.
You'll have his lovely memories,
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there,
I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over,
In search for teachers true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,
Nor think the labour vain.
Nor hate me when I come
To take him home again?
I fancied that I heard them say,
'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!'
For all the joys Thy child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.