A Special Nativity

This Nativity set is one that was given to me in about 1990 or 1991. David and Jewel were small, probably 5 and 6.
It was given to me by Mrs. Isaac, the mother of an old boyfriend.
I have brought it out each Advent season, and it is very special to me, I think because it is so child friendly. It is hand-made of wood and the people and animals are painted.  I have always put it out where it could be touched and allowed the kids to "play" with it as long as it was put back.
Mrs. Isaac said a man made it and gave it to their family. I was touched that she would give it to us.
Each year I bring it out I think of the man who made it. I never met him, but I imagine he must have put a lot of work into it, crafting it with care and love. It is perfect for little hands, and a great way for children to explore the story of Jesus.
Sean has also enjoyed this set, and this year we have it on the china cabinet.
It came with a little lamb, but when Sean pulled it out of the box he set it on the coffee table. We have two new kittens who like to bat things around and carry them off. I hope we find the lamb sometime soon.
I have another set, or maybe two more. This house is small, so I haven't displayed the others this year. Last year I set one outside on our porch inside a "barn" scene that I found at a thrift store for almost nothing (maybe 50 cents.) Seems like one or all of the pieces was tipped over each time we went in or out the door, so I abandoned that idea this year.
One minister at a Presbyterian church in Asheville said she had her Nativity set "travel" through her home during Advent season, and she moved the pieces closer to the manger each day. Finally on Christmas the pieces were all together at the manger.
I think that is a neat idea. We've never done that, but I think it would be a nice way to focus each day of the season on the coming of Christ.