In seeking to establish a family Christmas tradition, this year my wife and I purchased a few Christmas and Nativity scene kits from Playmobil. Every day from now until Christmas Eve we will reveal more pieces and characters for our scene, tell a little bit more of the Christmas story, read a short passage of scripture, sing a Christmas Carol, and maybe enjoy a treat or two. I share this as a resource to other parents, and as a fun way of connecting.
Today’s character is from Playmobil kit #4887 and can be viewed/ordered here.
“Hello, my name is Nick. Some people call me St. Nicholas. Some people call me Father Christmas. In many languages, there are different names and stories about who I am. But a long time ago, before there were candy canes, or reindeer pulling a sleigh, or elves making gifts, there was a simple priest who gave gifts of toys or money to poor children and their families. I wear a preist’s hat and I carry a shepherd’s staff to show that I was a church leader and so I gave these gifts as a sign of my love for God. I also carry this Bible as a sign that I would tell people the story of Jesus.
So, everyday, as we get closer to Christmas, I will tell you the story of when Jesus was born and what that means to us.”
Today’s scripture reading is from the book of Isaiah, from a time when the people of God were waiting for their prayers to be answered, that God would send someone to rescue them.
Day 1 – Isaiah 40: 1-5 (TNIV)
1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.
2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed,
that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
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