Our Manger is empty

For ten years I have been a mother.

And for eight of them we have decorated for Christmas.

And for eight of those eight years we have set out two nativity scenes;

One a full display of beautiful porcelain; Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, wise men, shepherds and flocks, and a heavenly host.

The other a wooden manger about eight inches long, lined with "raffia straw" in which a small babe lays wrapped in a simple burlap blanket.

Every year we hold our breath as the pieces are unwrapped from their protective layers and little hands shake with excitement as they softly set the Holy Family in place, but then comes the best part the excited squeals of "Baby Jeje".

It does not seem to matter that "last years baby" has no memory of this tradition, they always have the same awed and excited look as all the rest.

Throughout the rest of the evening of decorating, baking and candy making, little feet slowly wander as if by magic over just to check on "our baby". Straw is fluffed, a blanket smoothed and more than one sticky spot is found on a soft forehead as loving kisses are softly placed upon.

And last night just as in years past "our baby" went missing. He was there when prayers were said, he was there when all were tucked in, he was there when I went to bed(yes I check on him also) but when I went wandering just to check on little slumbering babes he was gone.

Now I will be honest I don't look to hard because I know he is safe and by morning he is always lovingly replaced. Besides I know as in years past he is snuggled close to other soft warm bodies, protected by them, as he so lovingly protects those precious spirits.

So my friends and family it is with love that I tell you; May you all know the peace and love of the season and may your mangers be empty.