December 25, 2011
Our Reenactment of the Nativity on Christmas Eve
Christmas Morning
If Bethlehem were here today
Or this were very long ago
There wouldn’t be a winter time
Nor any cold or snow.
I’d run out through the garden gate
And down along the pasture walk
And off beside the cattle barns
I’d hear a kind of gentle talk.
Two Rowdy Shepherds
I’d move the heavy iron chain
And pull away the wooden pin;
I’d push the door a little bit
And tiptoe very softly in.
The pigeons and the yellow hens
And all the cows would stand away;
Their eyes would open wide to see
A lady in the manger hay,
If this were very long ago
And Bethlehem were here today.
A quiet Sami as Mary
And Mother held my hand and smiled –
I mean the lady would – and she
Would take the wooly blankets off
Her little boy so I could see.
His shut-up eyes would be asleep
And he would look just like our John
And he would be all crumpled too,
And have a pinkish color on.
The Shepherds (and Mater) come to worship Baby Jesus
I’d watch his breath go in and out,
His little clothes would be all white,
I’d slip my finger in his hand
To feel how he could hold it tight.
And she would smile and say, “Take care,”
The Mother Mary, would, “Take care”;
And I would kiss his little hand
And touch his hair.
While Mary put the blankets back
The gentle talk would soon begin,
And when I’d tiptoe softly out
I’d meet the wise men going in.
– Elizabeth Madox Roberts (1881-1941)
For Unto Us A Child is Born
Merry Christmas to each of you.
May your weekend be full of love, as you celebrate God’s greatest gift to all the world.
Raluca
Merry Christmas, dear Cath! I love your blog and read it often. You have a beautiful family and you are so delicate in living and writing!!
Anne Marie
Merry Christmas, friend! You have a beautiful family. I love that you re-enacted the Nativity together. What a great tradition. Your kids will definitely remember it.
Thank you, thank you for your very sweet gift! It meant so very much to me.
Wishing you a happy week with your family! xo
catharvy
Raluca – I loved scrolling through your blog. What beautiful children you have – and what a lovely life you've created. Thanks for your sweet comment. New Year blessings to you!
Anne Marie – The reenactment is always comical. We had two runaway shepherds, a frustrated angel, and a wise girl who was extremely fussy over her jewelry. Despite the chaos and wrangling, it still tends to be one of my favorite traditions. So glad you received the package. A happy week to you too! xo