Well, here it is almost Christmas. I grew up on a farm and liked nothing better in the winter than to go into the nice warm barn smelling of fresh hay and warm milk, gently hold a new born kitten or climb to the hayloft to build a 'fort' out of straw bales.
So, I was surprised several years ago when a pageant 'dis-ed' the setting. "Dirty, smelly barn". "Nasty animals." "Cold and chilly".
I always considered it warm and serene and while some things are kind of nasty, it takes only a moment to see the other side.
People houses are known to sometimes be 'dirty' or 'smelly'. Ask anyone who forgot to take out the garbage one specific night.
"nasty" people...sinners abound. I'm not huge on crowds or hospitals for that matter...seen too many of both. I like one to ones and lived in spaces.
And noise. Don't forget the noise! Wow are people a hoot for noise. I should know I 'attempt' to play a trumpet sometimes. My cat used to run away when she saw the case. I know, I know...even if I played well, she'd do that...at least if she can.
So the babe lay in a manger with ox and donkey and the cattle were lowing. Sounds like a heavenly beginning to me considering He was/is/ and always shall be the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
Well, that's all I got. Guess it's my two cents for stable settings. My brother always asked if I was 'born in a barn". I don't believe so. I don't remember that day. I do know I often forgot to 'close the door' to the outside world back then.
Thank God Jesus knows about the warmth of Grace. Be blessed! -shell
So, I was surprised several years ago when a pageant 'dis-ed' the setting. "Dirty, smelly barn". "Nasty animals." "Cold and chilly".
I always considered it warm and serene and while some things are kind of nasty, it takes only a moment to see the other side.
People houses are known to sometimes be 'dirty' or 'smelly'. Ask anyone who forgot to take out the garbage one specific night.
"nasty" people...sinners abound. I'm not huge on crowds or hospitals for that matter...seen too many of both. I like one to ones and lived in spaces.
And noise. Don't forget the noise! Wow are people a hoot for noise. I should know I 'attempt' to play a trumpet sometimes. My cat used to run away when she saw the case. I know, I know...even if I played well, she'd do that...at least if she can.
So the babe lay in a manger with ox and donkey and the cattle were lowing. Sounds like a heavenly beginning to me considering He was/is/ and always shall be the Lion of the Tribe of Judah.
Well, that's all I got. Guess it's my two cents for stable settings. My brother always asked if I was 'born in a barn". I don't believe so. I don't remember that day. I do know I often forgot to 'close the door' to the outside world back then.
Thank God Jesus knows about the warmth of Grace. Be blessed! -shell