My little seven-year old daughter has been asking me for a Baby Jesus doll to keep in her room. One she can keep besides her and hold. One to take care of. One to play with. I am reminded of the many Advent seasons of my childhood when I would play with the figures of my mothers Nativity. Pretending I was there for His birth. Pretending to be with the Kings as they presented their gifts to our Lord. Pretending to be with he shepherds as they heard the “Good News”. I didn’t realize at the time, the playing was inspiring my soul to ponder Him.
I haven’t been able to find a “Baby Jesus” that my daughter could keep in her room. So I asked a good friend who works in the rectory if he knew where I might find one. He told me his wife was going down to Mexico and might be able to pick one up for me. Here we are, three days before Christmas Eve, and I am waiting for the news. I had looked on-line for stores in my area so she might receive the doll on Christmas, but not able to find one. I did however find some stores on-line out-of-state, that do carry what I am looking for and if I were to order him today, she would not receive him on time. Which is fine. What I can see in this event, is that we will be receiving the True Infant Christ, be it my daughter gets the doll, or not on Christmas Day.
Asking my friend created a debate in the Rectory. Everyone was a little perplexed as to why I would want such a gift for my daughter as they believed a doll as this should not be played with as a toy, but rather set out and just looked at, to be pondered over reflecting His life, death and resurrection. My answer back upon hearing this is very simple. What better gift to get for a seven-year old girl in today’s society. To think of getting my daughter a doll called “Brats” or to have her emulate anything the world is offering over what she is seeking, by asking for “Baby Jesus”, she is asking for something much higher then what the world is offering. What harm could come to her in playing with Jesus? Is there someone better to play with then He?
“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:27