Putting the Baby in the Manger

Each year I decorate the house for Christmas. We put up the tree, hang the wreaths and of course, put our Navity scene on display on our mantel. I place Mary and Joseph in the stable along with the animals and shepherds. The Wise Men are placed at the far end of the mantel, as they still have a long journey to get to Bethlehem. I put the angel on top of the stable and lay straw in the empty manger. Everything is ready for the birth of Jesus. In our family, we don't place the baby in the manger until Christmas eve. For many years it's been tradition that the youngest member of the family present at our Christmas Eve celebration, gently lay the baby in the manger that night after our family dinner. My husband then reads the story of Jesus birth from the Bible and we recollect the true meaning of Christmas before diving into our presents.

The tradition is a special way to remember the birth of Jesus and our family is all moved by the event. It's a simple and easy way for all of us to remember why we're celebrating.

~Heather M., Merrill, WI