Homespun nativity

To celebrate Christmas, a family on Bromley Road have erected a rather delightful homespun nativity scene in their front garden, with characters made by various members of the community from plastic bottles and other scrap materials. 

There's an interesting disparity of size among the figures (particularly with Mary and Joseph), with some wonderfully expressive faces too. I also adore the various animals gathered in the stable. My favourite is possibly that black and white cow. 

The angel appearing to the shepherd in the field looks rather excited, causing the shepherd for his part to look, frankly, terrified - but then that's all part of the story isn't it? 

There are also three rather splendid kings or magi. Their camels look, understandably, to be on their last legs and rather diminished after their long journey! 

All in all, it's a splendid community effort. I'm sure it will delight many passers-by and especially the children. There is 'a reason for the season' and one which it is all too easy to forget amidst the commercial imperative and all the other traditions that have grown up around our key Christian festival. Many of our church celebrations will necessarily be pared back this year too, so taking it to the streets is a good move. Quite possibly we need the message of 'love come down' more than ever this year.