Luke 2:7 – And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (NIV)

The other day, I was going to a place I had never been to alone. My brother-in-law had carefully written down the directions, so that I would not get lost as I manoeuvred the back roads of Kentucky. I was enjoying the countryside and the quaint little farms, when I rounded the corner and there, in clear sight, was a nativity scene placed inside a deserted old barn. It caught my attention, and I pulled over to the side of the road. I looked around, and, from the condition of the buildings near the barn, I could tell no one lived there. And yet, here was this nativity set in the middle of nowhere. It was a surprise for me, but one that, as I drove away, I found myself thanking God for, here in the hustle and bustle of Christmas activities. Someone had placed this nativity set in its proper setting, an old barn, perhaps as a reminder of how and where God came to earth first, in an old barn, a stable. I do not know the story behind this particular nativity scene, but I do that know that it was indeed a reminder from God of the reason behind the season, for whoever travelled that road this Christmas.

Prayer: Oh dear God, thank you for people who take the time to erect nativity sets in old barns and other highly visible places. Thank you for the journey of faith that takes visitors to those special places, and reminds them in a new a different way what happened on that night long ago, when your son came in the form of a little baby in a manager. Amen.

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