The Nativity And The Winter Storm

The Nativity and the Winter Storm

by Millie Plastaras
Copyright December 21 2001
May not be reproduced without the Author's permission.


It became clear at once that this was no ordinary night.
The sky was becoming darker, and the snow flurries were building up quickly, till it was a cold blur outside. Cameron looked out the window watching the snow begin to fall harder and build up on the ground like piles of sand upon the beach. The snow glistened and grew into small hills of cold crystals glistening with the light of the moon.

She turned and faced the room, the chill beginning to reach her, she walked toward the fireplace gathering the wood sitting by it, and tossing in a log to add to the small fire she had started earlier.

As she gazed into the fire, she watched the fire grow and bring warmth to the room, but her heart felt cold within her. A coldness even the fire could not touch.

It was almost Christmas night, and she was alone in this cabin in the woods. She had come out here to get away from the cacophony of the city, the crowds, the loneliness and the problems. She just wanted to take time to get to relax, gather her thoughts, and perhaps this time, she could plan a future different from the life she was now living. Things had become so complicated, she didn't even feel like herself anymore.

The last few years had changed everything. She had built a company from the ground up, and worked endless hours to make it successful. It had taken all her time and energy. It had been more than she had hoped, and less than she had dreamed. It gave her all the financial security she had ever dreamed of, and none of the emotional security she seemed to need right now.

Why was this happening at this point in her life? Didn't she have all the financial security she ever needed? She was independent, and focused, successful to the eyes of most observers.

Yet, with all these accomplishments, it seemed so unfulfilling personally, something seemed like it was missing.

She sat on the couch gathering her coffee cup to her, and musing over the past. She remembered fondly so many Christmas times past with her parents. Both were gone now, and some of the memories had faded a bit. But the warmth and love they had showed her never faded. What a blessing they had been to her. The word blessing. That is what was missing!

This then is what was missing in her life, she had no spiritual life anymore! She had neglected the Christ Child. Now ... here she was stranded in the forest cabin, no way of getting out. Suddenly the success of her business didn't seem enough. She had forgotten a big part of her life. The part that sustains a person when times get rough. She felt drained, and weary.

Each Christmas her mother and Father had made a big ceremony of the nativity Scene. It started the first of December, and each night a new piece would come out of it's wrapping and take it's place on the table. They would sit and talk about the meaning of Christmas. And Mom would always make cookies or a new treat each day. What cozy times those were. Christmas day the final piece of the nativity scene was taken out and displayed, the small Christ child. The Christ Child was always the center of their celebration. And on Christmas day, they made a party of it. A cake to remember Jesus birthday, and songs to sing His praises.

This family celebration brought alive that story so old, that had forever changed the
world. The Christ Child, who bought hope to the world, that there is more to this life, than this life. That we all have a Father God who loved us enough to send his son to earth to bring the good news of his salvation and great love for us, and that the greatest gift of all, was found in that one Christ Child.

The lamb of God who came to take away the sins of the world.

Cameron got up, suddenly feeling a great desire rose within her to celebrate like she once did with her precious parents. Someplace around here that nativity set was tucked away, she had brought it out here after her parents passed away, hoping to make this her Christmas retreat, and to decorate the cabin with the memories of her youth. She got up and walked towards the room that all the boxes were stored in. She rummaged until she found the box with all the dear images of the people from that beautiful Christmas night so long ago.

She took the box to the living room, set it down, and cleared a small table by the fireplace. One by one she pulled the pieces out, and set them up. The tiny lambs, the other animals, the angels, the shepherds, the visiting Kings, the small village buildings, the manger and the most important parts, Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus. Each piece became all the more precious as she drew them out.

She set back looking at the scene, and it bought a sense of peace to her spirit. Something she had not felt in a long time. She had been living totally for herself, focused on success and career goals. Nothing else. Now here it was Christmas Night, and once again she was alone. How had she ever allowed things to get this way? The tears started coursing down her cheeks. Her parents would be so surprised how she had changed, she had become hardened, and cold. She had conformed to the world.

Cameron picked up the Baby Jesus and held it tightly in her hands. She got down on her knees that cold night, and gave her heart to the Baby Jesus, asking forgiveness for her sins.

Her heart pouring forth countless thoughts, and pain that was inside. When finally she stopped. Everything somehow seemed different. She felt a sense of peace pervading her spirit that she had not felt in a very long time.

This then, was what Christmas was all about. The Baby Jesus. Nothing else. The quietness of this retreat and the pleasant memory of Godly parents drew her back to the truth of this life. Nothing is worthwhile, without a relationship with Jesus.

She got up and walked towards the window. The snow was slowing down, and she could see a star twinkling through the clouds that were scattered in the sky. The star seemed to be twinkling just at her. It seemed so hopeful now. All was right with her heart. She knew now what to do. And this night had changed everything. It had reminded her of a blessed night when a precious Baby came to earth, that she might have life, and have it more abundantly.

Now, she was going to seek the abundant life her parents had taught her about. And she was going to remember how to touch the lives of others. This felt much better to her. She knew that this was the reason she felt such a urge to get away. She turned towards the manger scene once again, placing the baby in it's manger. She walked towards the kitchen. Perhaps she could find the ingredients for a cake here. It could be a birthday party after all.

Jesus was here now.

Remember:

Only one life
will soon be past
Only what is done
For Christ will last