A freeway is a place of busyness. We are speeding by, barely noticing what is going on around us. A freeway is made to get us somewhere as quick as possible.
Experience has taught me a freeway is not a place for contemplation or for quiet reflection. It is not a place you would expect Joseph and Mary. Every once in a while, we need to get off the freeway, pause, and reflect on what we are thankful for this holiday season.
Away in a Manger is one of my favorite Christmas carols, but it takes so many liberties with the Christmas story. Do stars really look? was there hay in the manger? and there are no details about the livestock in attendance.
I think the cow has a point. If you ever heard a donkey bray, you know it would be hard to sleep through that. Then again, the lyrics flow as it is. Who wants to sing about a braying donkey? I’ll leave it as is.
Merry Christmas! I just love this time of year. The sounds, smells and sights of Christmas bring back memories of Christmases long, long ago. (Hmm. sounds like a Christmas tune.)
I’ve done another nativity scene in a different style. You can find it here.
Here is a Christmas nativity coloring page for you. It is free for personal and classroom use.
Cartoon of two boys staring at a manger. On says, “You know something? The first Christmas didn’t have much bling… except for the angel thing.”