Do you set up a nativity scene (or crèche) during the Christmas season? Many people do—sometimes on a mantel or table. Or a scene of life-size figures on the front lawn. Some of my friends even collect nativity scenes and display them throughout their homes. Setting up your manger scene can be a fun activity, evoking rich memories of Christmases past. But have you ever prayed your way through setting up, contemplating, and putting away your nativity scene? Have you ever tried a nativity prayer?
The idea was first suggested to me by a famous Christmas prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson, in which he prayed, “Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men.” There’s more to it than that, but those words suggested a way to turn a nativity scene into a prayer experience. It could look something like this:
Put the stable in place: “Lord, make this home a place that welcomes you and exalts you.”
Place the animals: “Jesus, let humility—like that of your surroundings at your birth—be a characteristic of my life.”
Add Mary and Joseph: “As Mary prayed and Joseph exemplified, let it be to me according to your will.”
Now for the infant Jesus figure: “Gracious Christ, as you condescended to take on human flesh, be born in a stable, and laid in a manger, please condescend to me and abide with me through this season in a special and enduring way.”
Position the angel(s): “As the angels said, let peace on earth and goodwill toward all multiply among me and mine this Christmas season.”
And the shepherds: “Lord, how excited those shepherds were to welcome you and spread the news about you. Make me like them.”
Add the wise men (in the scene or at some distance): “As the magi came from afar to worship and present their gifts to you, let my life and dedication be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”
This nativity prayer can, of course, be adapted to your circumstances and preferences. But I hope the prayer—or something like it—will transform an otherwise routine part of this special season into rich moments of prayer and meditation.
