Where Is Baby Jesus?

So, something I’ve wanted to write about during the Christmas season is our Nativity scenes.

We have a large collection of different Nativity sets from all over the world. Over the last few years, though, our Nativity scenes have changed a bit. Last year, we received a ceramic one and placed it high on the tree so Charlotte wouldn’t reach it and accidentally break it. This year, since both girls have been fond of Little People, we got the Fisher-Price Nativity scene.

We kept Baby Jesus put away until the 25th—because He hadn’t been born yet.

The girls noticed. Every single day, both Charlotte and Brooklyn asked, “Where is Baby Jesus?” And every day, we reminded them that we needed to wait all the way through the month of December, from the first to the twenty-fourth. Every day they asked, and every day we told them the same thing: we had to wait, because Jesus hadn’t been born yet.

In a simple way, it became a reminder to us as well. Whatever situation or season we find ourselves in, we are often called to wait on Jesus. Easier said than done.

On the 24th, since the girls couldn’t stay up until midnight, before bed Cata read a board book about the birth of Jesus. Anticipating the moment, both Brooklyn and Charlotte were excited when it was finally time to bring Baby Jesus out. Together, they placed Him in the manger.

In that moment, the joy and contentment filled our hearts.

We look forward to making this a family tradition—but more importantly, we are reminded that our trust and our waiting are placed in His hands, especially during difficult circumstances.

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
— Psalm 27:14

Waiting can feel uncomfortable, even frustrating. But Advent reminds us that waiting is not empty—it is expectant. Just as our girls waited day after day for Baby Jesus, we, too, are invited to trust that God is present and at work, even when the answer hasn’t arrived yet. May this season remind you that waiting on the Lord is never wasted.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for reminding us that waiting is part of loving and trusting You. Just as we waited to place You in the manger, help us to wait on You in every season of our lives—with patience, hope, and faith. When waiting feels difficult, give us strength. When answers seem delayed, give us peace. Teach us to trust that You are always at work, even when we cannot yet see it. We place our hearts, our families, and our circumstances in Your hands.

Amen.