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Each year for the past many so Christmases, a special Nativity set has sat under our Christmas tree. I'd been searching for the perfect one since I was married over 40 years ago, but never found one that suited my heart, and since my mother knows precisely my taste, was also on the lookout for just the right one.
The day she found it, it was Summertime. She excitedly called to tell me how she'd come across it at a garage sale for just $2.00. She knew the moment she saw it that I'd love it and couldn't wait for me to see it. She was right. The next time I visited, I was thrilled as she carefully pulled the manger and each statuette out of the box. Although it was daylight, we plugged in the cord and together admired each of the Italian-made figurines the little bulb was illuminating. It was a special moment between us, and our hearts leapt for joy like the child in Elizabeth's womb when Mary greeted her.
Later that year when the Christmas season arrived, I couldn't wait to set it up. It was an old set, but well preserved; similar to the one I'd grown up with. Whoever owned it previously had kept it intact, but now, for reasons unknown to me, could no longer carry on their tradition. So I was doing it for them, and would see to it that their joy would be shared with new Christmas visitors. My last task was to hook the angel carrying the banner, "Gloria" onto the tiny nail at the top of the roof. I plugged in the light, and my heart leapt for joy all over again.
As guests would look in at our Christmas tree, they'd each have a different, but wondrous reaction as their eyes reached my "new/old" manger. One quietly gasped and another drew near and gazed into the welcoming glow the little bulb was giving as it streamed light onto the three Wise Men who never stopped seeking Jesus the way I never stopped seeking what is now the most significant part of my Christmas. I was pleased for the wonder of my guests and silently prayed for them the way Elizabeth did when Mary greeted her, "Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." (Luke 1:45)
I especially remember the reaction of a friend who, unable to call to mind the name, "Holy Family," asked me, "Is that the 'Loving Family'?"
"Yes," I answered. "It is."
Blessed Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Tichvon is a Catholic writer and Consecrated Marian Catechist under the Direction of His Eminence Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke. Always faithful to the Magisterium, she spreads and defends the Catholic faith as a true witness of Christ, confessing the name of Jesus boldly, never ashamed of the Cross.
Elizabeth became aware of the need for the New Evangelization while in the two years of her formation as a Marian Catechist and wrote over 200 published meditations on Sacred Scripture from the daily Liturgy of the Word for various Catholic websites, and following Jesus' example, now teaches through her own parables so that by sharing her stories through social media, might bring others closer to the heart of Christ. She is currently a regular columnist at Catholic365 and as a Marian Catechist, her spiritual life is the foundation of her writing.
She completed UCLA's Graduate Program With Honors and worked as a Paralegal for 32 years before retiring from Chrysler's Office of the General Counsel in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Elizabeth's website may be found at elizabethtichvon.net
