Nativity

I have been tickled to watch my children this holiday season as, in the course of their play, 

they've often chosen to act out the Christmas story. 

Choosing a doll and some kind of bed to put him in, Laila became Mary and Max would be Joseph. 

Or sometimes he was a shepherd, a wise man, or even a donkey.

On one occasion, I was asked to join in and was watching over the baby while

 Mary ran off to get something or other. 

Max as shepherd kneeled down and told me "you have a cute baby"

And so it was appropriate they got to assume those same roles 

when Grandma put together a Nativity play for our Christmas Eve entertainment.

The whole production was wonderful and quite touching. 

the kids did a great job getting into their roles:

Mary with her calm & contemplative attitude,

the angel's clear proclamations,

Joseph and his cool demeanor,

the wise man's convincing following of the star,

and the shepherds caring for their "sheep"

the result was a palpable feeling of love as we all sang the hymns of our Savior's birth

"Glory to the Newborn King! 

Peace on Earth!

Joyful!