Want an interesting and creative alternative to the traditional Christmas tree? Nine years ago, my husband and I did. When our children were young, we desired to create family Christmas traditions emphasizing Jesus Christ. So, with much apprehension as to the responses we would receive from our family – and even our own selves – we abandoned the artificial tree to the recesses of the attic and developed our own alternative Christmas tree.
I asked my husband if he would build me a wooden manger. The ideas flowed from there, surely derived from the Holy Spirit Himself.
First my husband sketched out what he thought it might look like, and his picture was exactly what I had pictured in my mind. A simple wooden structure – until you go to construct it! Well, for me anyway. My husband thought the whole thing was quite easy, and the manger was completed quickly.
Next I filled the manger with sweet-smelling hay. Nestled into the hay is a string of lights. I used the hay to hide the electric cord as much as I could.
After a trip to the fabric store, I had a treasure of a fabric piece: dark blue, sheer and full of silver sparkles. It gave the appearance I desired – that of a night sky. I attached the fabric in a point on the wall above my manger and then draped it down surrounding both back corners and wrapping the manger about half way toward the front.
Sitting back in examination of what I had so far, I realized the fabric was shear enough that a string of white lights behind it might just simulate twinkling stars in the sky. Sure enough, this addition enhanced the effect immensely.
A star. I needed a star. Another shopping adventure and the Holy Spirit once again provided just the right color, size and durability I wanted. You know, when you work to reveal Jesus, the Holy Spirit is an enthusiastic supporter of your project!
Now…. what to put in that manger. A baby doll was the first and most obvious choice. I could swaddle one easy enough. But I wanted to do something more, something regal. After several great ideas, I settled on this. I took a small pillow and wrapped it in a silver satin-feel cloth, to simulate a royal pillow. Upon it I placed a crown – a cheap plastic child’s c
ostume crown – but being gold in color and ornate in shape, I felt it created the effect I sought. Leaning against that crown, I placed a crown of thorns and a spike with a small red ribbon. The pillow with all its adornments was placed right on the hay in the center of the manger.
The final touch was the sweet stuffed lamb we just happened to have in our toy collection. It not only represented the lamb of God in the story, but also helped lend the feel of a baby nursery.
Incorporated within are all of the essential elements of the Christmas story:
- the manger
- the stable (hay)
- the night sky
- the star
- the King in the manger
- the impending death of Christ
- the Lamb, and the sacrifice He would be
All in all, the finished project is basically the shape of a Christmas tree, yet reminds one of a baby’s bassinet. Only, the very heavens themselves wrap this baby’s cradle. It is full of meaning like a Christmas tree, yet it tells is richer, fuller, more compelling story that reaches beyond our personal family memories.
My children love the manger because of that story it tells. Visitors love the manger because of its unique approach, and that little manger has initiated many conversations about the Christ it represents, allowing us to share the gospel message with those who normally would not be interested. I love the manger because it represents my throwing off the bonds of tradition and embracing the reality of the Christmas story, nudging the whole family to maturity in the Kingdom of God.
What do you think about Marjorie Lou’s Christmas Manger? Have you developed an alternative Christmas tree? Comment below!
See more of Marjorie Lou’s favorite traditions here:
