Devotional for December 5

In fall of 2019, I traveled with the Spanish immersion group to Cuernavaca, Mexico. One of the things I bought that was light, handmade, and red—our son Zac’s favorite color—was a nativity set. I packed it in my luggage and brought it home. 

The first year it was set up under the Christmas tree. The next it was left packed in storage because none of us did things as usual in 2020. In 2021, the set was put out in my home office. Somehow I missed the angel when it was put away. When I first noticed she hadn’t been put with the other pieces, I left her out. Now she has been sitting out by herself for almost a whole year. Mostly this year-round angel has given me peace. I am glad for her presence. I am grateful for the reminder that all around the world we are connected. She reminds me to have courage when it feels like we are alone. Her pieces will join her for the Christmas season. 

Likely, this year she will be packed away with the rest of the pieces, a sheep, a donkey, Mary and Joseph, baby Jesus in the straw, some wise folx. Her view and mine may change, but I hope the year she spent out with me will bond us. I hope I will keep looking for angels all year.

—Rev. Emily Hagan, First UMC of Lafayette