Hoofprints by the Manger: Finding Contentment (and Limits!) This Christmas

When my parents were first married, they attended a small church in Florida. Many family stories came from their early years there. You know the kind— the stories retold at every family gathering; even though you know the ending, you all laugh as though you’ve never heard it before.

One year at Christmas, this church was looking for ways to freshen up their traditional live nativity. It was decided that instead of hosting the nativity outdoors, a much more intimate scene could be created by bringing the nativity inside so that congregants could enjoy the reenactment without concern for the weather.

If you were sitting with the congregation looking at the stage, the baptismal was about 15 feet above the floor, giving everyone an optimal view. This elevated baptismal platform seemed like the perfect spot for a cozy indoor nativity. The actors could simply sneak in from backstage and climb the hidden staircase to the top.

As plans were made, it became clear that this space held much more potential than was being utilized. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus only took up so much space; why not add more? With the incorporation of angels and wise men came the wrestle of every nativity reenactment: live animals.

I can imagine the discussion that was held, weighing unusual details such as which animals to include (certainly none that would fly), or how to avoid certain…messes. Despite what would seem better judgement, a consensus was made that, yes, live animals would truly complete the scene, helping all who would come grasp the humble means in which our Savior King came to earth.

Despite what would seem better judgement, a consensus was made that, yes, live animals would truly complete the scene.

The night of the event arrived. Familiar songs of comfort and joy echoed, the angels straightened their tinsel halos, and the caravan made their ascent:

• Mary and swaddled baby Jesus up the back stairs, then Joseph, wisemen and angels.
• Goat and sheep up the stairs.
• Cow up the stairs. (You read that right, a cow. I’ll let your mind imagine trying to lead a cow into a church and up a set of stairs, all while adorning your magi costume made of pinned-together bed sheets).

The whole crew tucked into the baptismal frame, high above the choir below. They had done it. It was the perfect, cozy Christmas scene.

Every telling of this story focuses on one unusual element:
Not the number of people who accepted Jesus as their Savior.
Not the beautiful music that was sung.
Not even how full the church was that night, but rather …the cow.

And for one good reason: Did you know that cows can walk upstairs….but not down? That’s right. Despite the carol’s lyrics, “the cattle are lowing,” cows can’t walk downstairs. Who knew? In all of their merry-making, they had gotten a little carried away. Christmas can be like that, can’t it?

In all of their merry-making, they had gotten a little carried away. Christmas can be like that, can’t it?

One moment we’re singing carols by the fireplace, and the next there’s a Christmas cow in the baptismal with no way to get down.

Tucked in this retelling is the underlying lesson ringing in my ears when I’m taking on more than I can (or should) handle: “Don’t get the cow stuck in the baptismal.” A lesson not only for Christmas, but for life.

This is a call to Christmas contentment. It’s a reminder before the cow is in the baptismal that sometimes in our rushing and striving we get ahead of ourselves. We say yes to things that God never asked us to, and then wonder why we’re overwhelmed. We see what everyone else is doing, and make the reservations too.

We say yes to things that God never asked us to, and then wonder why we’re overwhelmed.

With the best of intentions, we take on, and dish out, and wrap up, and add that extra special touch that will just send it over the top…and get ourselves into a mess that could have been avoided. This is a call to slow down and keep the main thing the main thing. And as a reminder, the main thing is, and has always been Jesus.

One of my favorite verses from the Christmas story is found in Luke 2:19, which reads, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” In the midst of angelic choirs, visiting shepherds, and -oh yes- having a baby, what is Mary’s response? Mary treasured and Mary pondered. Right in the middle of this action-packed account is a verse that slows the whole thing down: Mary’s choice to sit in wonder and awe.

Everything about our culture drives us to add to the hustle and bustle of the season. But remember, you are the pace setter for your home. If you don’t set the pace, culture will do that for you.

Some practical tips

Step into moments of peace:

• Turn on soft worship music in the background.
• Plan a “night in” of nothing but cozy pajamas and noodles for dinner.
• Start your bedtime routine ten minutes early to leave time to read Luke 2.

Step out of moments of chaos:

• Leave the party before the melt down.
• It’s okay to say, “I love that idea, but it doesn’t fit in our schedule this year.”

Embrace (and expect) imperfection:

When the gingerbread house collapses, enjoy a moment of laughter together. Remember that memories are often made when things don’t go as we expect, i.e., cow in baptismal.

Like Mary, we too can choose contentment this Christmas for one simple reason: Jesus is enough. His story is special all on its own. It doesn’t need our sprucing up to make it shine, but it beckons our treasuring and pondering of what already is wonderful.

Recently, a dear friend of mine prayed over me as I’ve been navigating through a difficult situation. This praying mama’s plea was, “Lord, Kristen has enough doing. Help her to remember the being part too.” While I didn’t invite in my difficult circumstance, my response is my choice. My friend is wise and knows that I tend to climb unnecessary staircases when I should be treasuring.

As we enter this Christmas season, let’s choose a Mary heart in a bigger-better-busier world, remembering that the good news of Jesus still causes great joy for all people, all on its own.

Pray with Me

Lord help us to ponder and treasure more than we perform or produce. Please give us your discernment in the things we pursue, and may we set our eyes on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Kristen Czuchra lives in Spring City, Pennsylvania with her husband of fifteen years and two daughters, Adeline (12) and Annalise (9). She grew up in church, but God became real and personal to Kristen when her mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away when she was nine. That led to years of turmoil for her family and God became her constant in a changing world. Currently, Kristen and her husband serve as pastors at Grace Assembly of God church. Kristen has her Master’s in Education from the University of Alabama Birmingham.