I absolutely LOVE a good nativity scene.
It’s probably my favorite decoration I see when I visit others’ houses this time of year. It is a reminder of why we’re here, celebrating Christmas in the first place.
Years ago, maybe somewhere around 2006’ish Provo Craft (which doesn’t even exist today) had a lovely little 11-piece resin set (complete with a Creche) that was missing only one thing…paint! It had a guide that came with it and suggestions for colors of the various figures’ clothing, but otherwise it was up to the creativity of the painter.
When I saw this set I knew I wanted to craft this nativity as a Christmas present for Melanie. I had a meager Christmas budget back then. The kids were little and I was staying home for a season to raise them. Maybe next year I would create one for myself. But time rolled on and I never did.
I remember cracking open the box and beginning with the “easiest” piece to get my feet wet. The angel. A pristine white robe and blue rope-belt. I felt so accomplished when I was done. I kept moving on, one piece at a time until I was finished. Every piece gave me time to pause on two thoughts.
How thankful I am for my Savior. For a Father that loves me so much He would sanctify me through Christ’s atoning sacrifice so I may come to him, without shame, without worry that I need to “do” anything more, that I may be called His.
and
How thankful I am for Melanie’s friendship. Even back then, when it was still relatively new. There was such a connection between she and I. We literally joke we are ‘split aparts’. There’s seldom a thought I’ve had that Mel hasn’t already entertained and vice versa.
Every detail I painted was done with love and thankfulness. And every year, when Mel brings out the set to display it, I smile deeply remembering the love I felt, the gratitude I had and that I still feel having her such an intimate part of my life.
This year it was especially special to see the set. Not just because I’m seeing it in her new house here in the Carolinas, but because Kenzie, who is now 23, noticed it and mentioned it to me while we were there. “Hey mom, look at this nativity! I know how much you love them.”
Mel and I looked at each other and just smiled. And Kenz knew there was more to the story.
“Your mom made that for me a long time ago.”
It was fun to share the story with her and watch her oogle over every painted piece. It was fun to laugh about the amount of work that went into it, but how in the end it was worth seeing it through.
Fast forward to Christmas Eve. Mel and Jeff, and their youngest girl came by to exchange gifts.
Mel handed me a big box in pretty paper and I was excited to see what she’d come up with this year. As I began to unwrap it, I was stunned.
There it was. The very recognizable box of 11 resin pieces and a Creche. How in the world?
Mel scoured the internet and found a set in pristine condition on Ebay. Thank goodness for the internet.
In the moment of realizing what she had done, I was swept with so many emotions. Appreciation of the effort (gifts are my love language), excited to have a beautiful nativity of my own, and realization that I have some work ahead of me with eyes that aren’t quite as sharp as they used to be.
Unlike my original gift to Mel, this one came to me unpainted – which is good. Painting is not Mel’s strong suit! I jest here, because giving me a set to paint is the really a part of the gift. Painting is my zen place. It allows me to quiet the world for a time; to silence the distractions my ADD brain experiences all day, every day. And by quieting the noise, I will again be able to focus on two important things.
My relationship with the Savior, and my treasured friendship with Mel.
Amen.
Shrinking Shay 