This is the nativity scene that we always had on display at Christmas when my brother and I were growing up. It’s probably as old as I am or pert’ near. If you look at it closely, you will find that most of the pieces have been broken off and glued back onto their bases.

Nathan and I used to like playing with it, even though we weren’t supposed to touch it. We made up our own version of the Christmas pageant and walked the little lambs and donkey around Baby Jesus. I always wondered why Baby Jesus had his hands outstretched; I figured he wanted his Mommy or a blanket or something. After all, that barn/stable sure didn’t look warm to me!

As we were putting away Christmas decorations this week, I enjoyed thinking about this nativity scene and the memories of Nathan that it brought to mind. I took down his stocking along with the others and packed it away until next year. I know we’ll make new traditions and new memories; we already have begun to do so. I hope I will always be reminded of memories of my brother that seemed insignificant at the time, because they are very precious to me now.