My Nativity Collection – and Making Room
December 30, 2025
I collect nativities and throughout my house this year – if you carefully count – you will find 49 nativity sets. I appreciate the various images and meanings behind my many nativities. They have been given to me by friends and family members over the years, brought back from trips, or handcrafted by grandchildren.
This simple sketched nativity is one that I find meaningful. Over 35 years ago our country was seeing – for the first time in modern history – a significant number of mothers and children who were homeless. And Bridge of Hope co-founder, Sandy Lewis, sketched this beautiful nativity scene as part of her invitation one Christmas to end homelessness for children and their moms through Bridge of Hope.
Today, we are facing a record number of families who are unhoused and in need of hope. Family homelessness rose by 39% last year alone.
Despite that statistic, as we approach Christmas here in 2025, I feel a sense of deep gratitude. And I want to say thank you to you!
Thank you for MAKING ROOM for families facing homelessness in this season of Christmas and all year round.
In this season of Christmas, “making room” reminds us that we are called to make room in our hearts for this vulnerable newborn who is God incarnate. And through the life of Jesus, we are in turn invited to become a people who are making room in our hearts for those around us. It makes me think of this song, Make Room.
This year, you have made room for Amber, Steph, Kiresa, Jessica, Eli, Lily, Liam, Noah, Cedric, Olivia, and so many more moms and children. Thank you!
And so, I wish you a very joyous Christmas, filled with the Light and Hope of Emmanuel, God-with-us.
Merry Christmas,
Edith Yoder
Chief Executive Officer
