Merry Christmas!

This is my favorite nativity I have ever seen. It was my grandmother's and she gave it to me. Even though it doesn't include the usual wise men, cows, Mary and Joseph the focus it still there. I love it for many reasons but this year I notice that the main focus is the baby Jesus. Attention isn't diverted by elaborately dressed kings bringing gifts or even a cute wooden manger draped with moss. I love this nativity because Jesus is the center of attention. He is the focus.

 Luke 1:26   And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

  Luke 1:27   To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

  Luke 1:28   And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

  Luke 1:29   And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

  Luke 1:30   And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

  Luke 1:31   And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

  Luke 1:32   He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

  Luke 1:33   And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Luke 2:6   And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

  Luke 2:7   And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

  Luke 2:8   And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

  Luke 2:9   And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

  Luke 2:10   And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

  Luke 2:11   For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

  Luke 2:12   And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

  Luke 2:13   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

  Luke 2:14   Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

  Luke 2:15   And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

  Luke 2:16   And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

  Luke 2:17   And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

  Luke 2:18   And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

  Luke 2:19   But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

  Luke 2:20   And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.