Ruth says,
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I've had a gut reaction in the opposite direction
during the Christmas season.  Nativity scenes always have Jesus in a manger
and Mary (and everyone else) looking on adoringly.  Lots of people are very
touched by the tender emotions depicted.  I find the scenes absurd or even
distressing -- I can't help thinking that if it were my newborn, I'd either
be adoring him on my lap, or eating and taking a shower while some of those
other folks made themselves useful by holding him.
************************************
I find the scene as depicted on cards and the "manger scenes" that we have in
our living rooms a bit annoying as well.  First of all, what self respecting
innkeeper/farmer/whatever is going to have a teensy weensy little manger that
wouldn't even feed a decent size sheep?  The cow would kick it over!  I think
the mangers were rather large, and with some fresh clean straw/hay, it
probably made a decent bed for Mary and Jesus -- and probably Joseph too.  I think
she delivered in the manger as well -- the big one.

We have a nativity set that we bring out every Christmas which has all the
usual accoutrements.  However, the manger is relegated to the "attic" of the
stable, and Mary holds Jesus.  (A bit tenuously, I'll admit, since her arms are
akimbo in the air, but it works.)  If I was a bit more clever, I'd make her a
sling.

I also think her mother was with her as well as a midwife.....

Jan Barger, RN, MA, IBCLC, RLC
Wheaton, Illinois
www.lactationeducationconsultants.com

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