The Nativity Scene

Although the Holy Family is the focus of the Nativity Scene, Joseph, Mary and Jesus, the story encompassed so much more than this. It begins with a great light, the Star of Bethlehem, one that led three wise men to the "place". This journey was anything but easy. It was at great peril that they came, because they believed this star would lead them to find a king, and they would go to worship Him. Would the star have been enough for them to believe, it appeared to be so, as the trip took several years journey. When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. The same star that  went before them in the East, stood over the place where the young Child was. It is important to note what the Kings said, in Matthew 2:2 we learn-- "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." Strong was their belief coupled with determination. Shepherds nearby also, having received a message from the angel, standing before them, said (Luke 2:15) "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." So there we have it the message physically given to three seekers,  (very wise men), and the unlearned, humble shepherds who tended the sheep. This is the awaited Good News of the Gospel, that Christ has come to save the world, a world of darkness for every generation, to give to us who believe in Him, the Everlasting Light, as He is the Light of the World who has come to give us a present, Himself. Today, strangely enough, I heard a song that stuck in my head. It is one that I've heard on a CD some time ago. The words at the end of the song said, "For He is your God, You shall worship Him." Let us put aside all thoughts of darkness, gloom and sorrow, replacing them with joy and knowledge. Christ IS COME and He will illuminate every heart and lead us to the place where we will, like the three Kings, Shepherds and Heavenly Angels rejoice with great expectation and Glorify Him.
(Scripture passages came from the Orthodox Study Bible)