We are celebrating the feast of the Eternal Birth which God has borne and never ceases to bear in all eternity... But if it takes not place in me, what avails it? Everything lies in this - that it should take place in me, wrote Meister Eckhart, a Christian mystic. The holy birth taking place in me each year could mean an honest reflecting and recommitment about how I actually live my faith. As in all value systems -- how much is merely declared, or endlessly repeated, and how much of what is declared or announced is truly enacted?

For one to whom faith in the life and teaching of Jesus is expressed more in living his message rather than practices as prescribed observances; it means honouring all. It touches me deeply when I hear that in Welsh nativity scenes you will find a washerwoman with Mary, Joseph and Jesus at the manger. Placing an everyday person within the scene to be venerated says that each 'ordinary' being is sacred, we are part of a living tradition, and that Jesus’ birth reminds us of that. The long-ago Christmas story in all its unique beauty also moves in to become our personal 'today' story.

Also, in France's Provence region, their Christmas tableaus have santons, meaning 'little saints' - small hand-painted figurines representing ordinary people from typical village life, such as the shopkeeper, the fisherwoman, the blacksmith. Santons come from all occupations, bringing their unique gifts to honour the newborn child. The baker with typical Provençal breads, the basket maker with a woven crib for the baby, the vegetable merchant with some fresh produce in his sack, a woman with nothing more to offer than a bundle of sticks for a fire to keep the baby warm, a grandmother knitting him some socks. Even a poor old man, who thinks he has nothing to give, holds his lantern to light the way for others; his gift of thoughtfulness and courtesy..

The holy birth taking place in me could also mean an awareness of all those people I might like to place in my nativity scene, my own santons. Among those who immediately come to mind is Kiran, down my street, who has a tiny flower stall and who stands for many hours each evening as she strings beautiful garlands. The silent grandmother comes each evening with a small basket of fresh methi she grows in her backyard. Amish Patel, oncologist, and Valerian Agera, physician - skilled and compassionate doctors who are true healers. Rosemary, who lovingly takes care of a group of school children. Yangchen who made sure I had hot soup, extra blankets, hot water bottles in my bed in unaccustomed-to sub-zero temperatures. Mr. Kini, bus-conductor, unfailingly polite and smiling in crowded buses with hundreds of impolite passengers.

Each of us has everyday santons. You might want to think of, or make a list of those you would invite this year to your scene of the Holy Birth.