When I was a youth, I had a cross necklace that I bought from Montreat. It was made from three nails. It was artistic and cool, but it also reminded me of the nails that pierced Jesus’ hands and feet on the cross. This nativity is constructed using the same type of nails. I love it because it is filled with foreshadowing and is a reminder that Jesus doesn’t stay an adorable baby in the manger. Jesus Christ was born into this world with a purpose and that is to reconcile us to God and to show us how to love one another.

John 1:6-13

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

Prayer

Holy God, we thank You for the gift of Your son, Jesus. Thank You for loving us beyond comprehension. Help us to love one another in the way that You show us. Amen.