Al and Marjorie Porter’s nativity treasure from Oberammergau.
Over twenty-five years ago Al and Marjorie Porter traveled to Germany and visited the celebrated town of Oberammergau, home of the internationally acclaimed Passion Play that is produced once every decade. Though they were not there at a time when the play was being presented, they were able to tour the theater, to go behind the scenes and imagine The Story unfolding on stage.
One of the souvenirs they brought back from their trip is a hand-carved wooden nativity in encapsulated form. Two doors open to reveal angels in flight. Centered behind the doors is the Holy Family, guarded by a small cherub. The Porters display this memento in a bookcase in their great room reminding them of that special trip as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Philippians 2:5-8
Thought for the Day: Easter is regarded as the greatest of the Christian festivals, but there would be no Easter without having had Christmas first.
Prayer: O God, we thank You for Christmas and Easter, great festivals of the Church, recalling Christ’s birth and His resurrection from the dead. Remind us of the cross when we see a manger. As Resurrection morn dawns, remind us of the star that shone first over Bethlehem. Most of all we give You thanks for loving the world so much that You gave us Your son Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.