As I carefully unwrap the delicate ceramic figures of my grandmother’s nativity set each year, I find myself pondering the significance of the smallest, yet most crucial, piece: the baby. It’s a tradition I’ve continued since my grandmother passed down the set to me, and one that holds a deeper meaning than just a simple holiday decoration. You see, every year, I hide the ceramic baby in a drawer, just as my grandmother used to do.

This quirky tradition has become a cherished ritual, one that reminds me of the profound lessons that babies teach us about being human. As I reflect on the significance of this small, hidden figure, I’m struck by the realization that babies have a unique ability to strip away the complexities of adulthood and reveal the essence of humanity.

One of the most fundamental lessons that babies teach us is the importance of vulnerability. Newborns are completely dependent on others for survival, and their fragility is a powerful reminder of our own vulnerability. As adults, we often try to mask our weaknesses, presenting a façade of strength and self-sufficiency. But babies show us that it’s okay to be vulnerable, that it’s a natural and necessary part of being human.

Babies also teach us about the value of curiosity and wonder. Their wide-eyed gaze and infectious giggles remind us of the magic of discovery, of the simple joys of exploring the world around us. As we grow older, we often lose this sense of curiosity, becoming jaded and cynical. But babies show us that the world is a place of endless fascination, full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered.

Perhaps most profoundly, babies teach us about the power of love and connection. The bond between a parent and child is one of the most fundamental and enduring relationships in human experience. It’s a love that’s unconditional, unwavering, and all-encompassing. As we grow older, we often forget the simplicity and purity of this love, getting caught up in the complexities of adult relationships. But babies remind us that love is at the very heart of what it means to be human.

As I retrieve the ceramic baby from its hiding place and gently place it in the manger, I’m reminded of the profound lessons that this small figure represents. In a world that often values strength over vulnerability, independence over interdependence, and cynicism over wonder, babies teach us a different way of being. They show us that being human is not about achieving some idealized state of perfection, but about embracing our imperfections, our vulnerabilities, and our capacity for love.

As I gaze upon the nativity scene, now complete with the ceramic baby at its center, I’m filled with a sense of awe and gratitude for the lessons that babies teach us. May we all learn from their example, embracing our own vulnerability, curiosity, and capacity for love, and may we strive to create a world that values and nurtures these fundamental aspects of humanity.