The birth of a small baby cradled in a manger is the most profound event that has shaped the lives of all of us, even those who are unaware of the baby. From the earliest days, even when my parents would attend Christmas Eve services in the neighboring rural church and the service was in German, the story could not be misunderstood.

It brings peace to me each and every Christmas season when I put the nativity under our Christmas tree. It is Christmas Day, but I know the nativity will stay with us for quite some days to come before I gingerly put it away.

It makes me very proud of family during the Christmas season. We come together and share of ourselves with little need to hold back laughter, tears, time and memories.

Thank you Baby Jesus for making my life precious.