I went to the five-hanky Amahl and the Night Visitors again this year — so moving for so many reasons. I’m moved by the Italian composer’s last-minute inspiration to use the three kings of his childhood as the basis for the opera commissioned for a live television broadcast, the love between the mother and child, their extreme poverty, young Amahl’s optimism, the miracle, and numerous lines — “the keys to his kingdom belong to the poor,” “for such a king, I have waited all my life.”
Waited. Waiting.
The Catholic church in Concord sets up a crêche outside the parish hall every year. They don’t complete it and place the baby in the manger until Christmas Eve.
I like to think of the kneeling figures as waiting, although once the tableau is complete, they are seen as worshiping.
I see them as waiting and believing that a reason to be hopeful is coming. And I think their belief plays a role in making it come true.
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
Thank you for so eloquently expressing the spirit and substance of Christmas.
It’s hard to have hope about certain things, but if I consider that there is always a part of the world that is dark and always a part where there’s light, I do feel better.
That’s a lovely tradition, to add the baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. And, yes, the idea that the baby is a symbol for hope lets all of us believe and find comfort, even if we aren’t religious.
Stories from different religions often resonate with our lived experience. They can be a kind of poetry, nice to recite when you need who knows what.
Really nice photo in the post !
About Three Kings: I invite for my post about that celebration in Spain:
Your post on the festival of the Three Kings in Spain is very nice. I hope lots of people see it.
I thank you a lot 🙂 I am glad that you enjoy it. If you would like to know more about travels I invite to follow my blog.