And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

~Luke 2:12 NASB

The Nativity

My four-year-old granddaughter knelt before the fireplace hearth with all of the soft, doll-like nativity figures strewn around her. One by one, she chose each piece to place in her version of the nativity circle. Once they were placed exactly how she wanted them, she beamed to me.

“I did it, Shay. They’re all looking at baby Jesus!”

Sure enough, when I stepped up to look, the pieces formed a complete circle around the baby Jesus. I have to admit that my first thought was to help her “straighten out” her arrangement by placing them in more of a semi-circle. After all, my own porcelain version nearby had the shepherds and animals alongside the family, like the traditional version. Not Eva. She had the baby Jesus as the center of attention. Hmmm. Seemed like a lesson for me. 

Looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

~Hebrews 12:2 NASB    

Additionally, some figures in her nativity circle had their backs to the room. I thought about my own life. Do I turn my back on the questionable things of the world to focus on Jesus? Do I worry about appearances or try too often to blend in with the world? Or, do I want to be seen gazing at Jesus? 

The Posture

I also noticed that the figures were in a tight circle. They touched Jesus and each other. Eva wasn’t concerned about how staged the group appeared. She was all about the figures looking at and being close to Jesus. They were not segregated into groups by their appearance or financial status. The group was one in worship and adoration of the baby.

I can’t help but think that she got it right. After viewing hers, my nativity scene nearby seemed much weaker. It may have been prettier, but hers was inspiring. From now on, I want all my figures and me to face Jesus.

Bring all parts of your life into the circle and focus on Jesus.

Lord, help me focus on You each day. Remind me when I need to turn my back on the world and gaze at You. May the world see a servant adoring the Savior.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: The Nativity Circle: Sharon Davis: All Rights Reserved