Nativity scene: “Let me pose a question. If Christ himself arranged a Nativity scene, how might that arrangement look? Would the shepherds be on one side and the Wise Men on the other? Would baby Jesus be at the center of the scene in a manger or cradled in his mother’s arms? ... Might I suggest that it’s not outside the realm of possibility that Christ would not place himself at the center of the scene? The Gospels portray Jesus almost exclusively associating and living with people on the margins of his society: the impoverished, women, Samaritans, lepers, prostitutes, etc. Christ chose to be with the desperate and the broken, those consigned to the shadows, people pushed and shoved into the cracks and crevices of society in order to more easily be ignored and forgotten. I imagine then (and all Nativities are just holy imaginings) that’s it’s not implausible that Christ — ever the consummate teacher, exemplar — should place the infant replica of himself amidst his fellow shepherds on the perimeter of the scene.” Wow! You will never look at “Nativities” the same way again after reading this incredible Christmas essay.
Christmas music: Two beautiful, string-related YouTube videos have been making the rounds on Facebook, and both have Mormon connections: one half of the ThePianoGuys, Steven Sharp Nelson, plays 12 different cello parts in this incredible version of the “Carol of the Bells.” And watch for the Temple Square scenes in violinist Lindsey Stirling’s stirring version of “Silent Night.” Enjoy!
Santa Claus: What do genealogists do around Christmas? Look up the “Historical Records of a Real Santa Claus,” of course. At least one genealogical blogger did. Here’s a snippet of his research: “A person named ‘Santa Clause’ (born April 1887 in MO) was the son of William Clause (born Feb 1857 in MO) and Henrietta Clause (born May 1861 in MO) in the 1900 census. … The family resided in Liberty township, Saline County, MO (NARA T623, Roll 902, ED 129, Page 3A).” Click in for more instances of Santa Clauses in the genealogical records.
And have a joyful Christmas!
Emily W. Jensen updates "Today in the Bloggernacle" on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, presenting the best from the world of LDS-oriented blog sites. Her extended "Bloggernacle Back Bench" appears on Tuesdays.
Email: ejensen@desnews.com