Post by thewisefarmer on Dec 6, 2017 11:49:55 GMT
BROKEN
A finely carved wooden donkey with the broken ear bring tears to my soul. I touch it tenderly for it touched me tenderly.
My nativity collection has grown over the years. Many of the sets are very special because of who gave them to me. Some sets are very unique. But some of the sets have an even deeper meaning.
The Quaker church in Peru uses mission money to build a stronger community. Each year handmade items from church members are sold in the states to provide for caring for more needs. One year, the pastor hand carved a nativity set to sell. The workmanship was beyond exquisite. It was a true work of love and quality craftsmanship. It was shipped with the other items for the sale.
Upon arrival, when it was unpacked, it was found that the finely carved donkey's ear had broken off during transport.
I fell in love with the set the moment I saw it. The look of love on the baby Jesus touched my heart and humbled me to pray for the many in need.
I was told, "You can have a discount because of the broken one or the pastor told us that he will carve a new donkey for the set."
I paid full price and told them that I want to keep the broken donkey. I preferred that the pastor use his time and money for those in need instead.
Year by year, I unpack the nativity sets and recall many Christmas memories.
As I unpack that donkey, I cannot help but fall to my knees in prayer. Looking at the broken beast and knowing it was paid for in full, I recall that Jesus was broken for me and that my debt was paid in full by Him. I know through that, we are healed. I pray earnestly for those the money was sent to help. I pray also for my own life, that I may be broken for Him.
In my own brokenness, I am truly humble as I place the wood carved Jesus figure into the manger and thank Jesus for the memory of "the broken one". That donkey is a blessed reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
A finely carved wooden donkey with the broken ear bring tears to my soul. I touch it tenderly for it touched me tenderly.
My nativity collection has grown over the years. Many of the sets are very special because of who gave them to me. Some sets are very unique. But some of the sets have an even deeper meaning.
The Quaker church in Peru uses mission money to build a stronger community. Each year handmade items from church members are sold in the states to provide for caring for more needs. One year, the pastor hand carved a nativity set to sell. The workmanship was beyond exquisite. It was a true work of love and quality craftsmanship. It was shipped with the other items for the sale.
Upon arrival, when it was unpacked, it was found that the finely carved donkey's ear had broken off during transport.
I fell in love with the set the moment I saw it. The look of love on the baby Jesus touched my heart and humbled me to pray for the many in need.
I was told, "You can have a discount because of the broken one or the pastor told us that he will carve a new donkey for the set."
I paid full price and told them that I want to keep the broken donkey. I preferred that the pastor use his time and money for those in need instead.
Year by year, I unpack the nativity sets and recall many Christmas memories.
As I unpack that donkey, I cannot help but fall to my knees in prayer. Looking at the broken beast and knowing it was paid for in full, I recall that Jesus was broken for me and that my debt was paid in full by Him. I know through that, we are healed. I pray earnestly for those the money was sent to help. I pray also for my own life, that I may be broken for Him.
In my own brokenness, I am truly humble as I place the wood carved Jesus figure into the manger and thank Jesus for the memory of "the broken one". That donkey is a blessed reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
