Christmas Nativity

Rancho Capistrano Lakeside w/ Giant Nativity in the backround

As my daughter Christina and I were driving North, returning from my mother's house in San Clemente two nights ago we let out a sigh of amazement as the beautiful sight above came into view.

 This larger than life nativity scene was first conceived and erected back in the early 1980s, under the vision of my husband, Pastor Robert A. Schuller .   In 2010 Saddleback Church took possession of the gift of Rancho Capistrano and they have done an outstanding job of maintaining and restoring this beautiful "spiritual oasis" (as we always referred to it) Included in their restoration efforts was this giant-sized depiction of the birth of Jesus. 

Pastoring at Rancho Capistrano Community Church created some of the happiest memories of our lives.  To this day the mere sight of "The Ranch" evokes so many warm and comforting thoughts of joy and satisfaction.  I believe that my children will be forever impacted by their life's experiences while attending church and school, and many other events on this beautiful piece of property.  They will be telling their children and their children's children about the wonderful place they enjoyed  seven days a week,  from birth up until their young teenage years.

What we create for the continuing proclamation of the love of Jesus is eternal.  I am not referring to the buildings or the physical place, but rather to the experiences which create the memories that touched so many while they enjoyed these blessed grounds.  The families who worshiped, married, were baptized or eulogized in the church;  the body, mind, spirit health seminars; the Bible studies and support groups; the children's lives who were positively affected by the schools; the endless picnics and "hoe-downs" we hosted;  all of these activities and life's experiences are something that will live-on in the hearts, minds, and spirits of many generations to come.

And that beautiful legacy of faith that my husband envisioned, commissioned, and pastored through the church, the retreat center, and the school on Rancho Capistrano,  still lives on today.  The love of God is still being proclaimed there!

This Christmas season think about the memories that you are creating as part of your family traditions and how they will impact your family for generations to come.  Included in those events or traditions make sure you give the gift of faith, hope, and love.  Pass along the "reason for the season."
And if you live anywhere close to San Juan Capistrano, California make sure you take an evening and drive down Interstate 5.  You will want to share the huge and beautiful nativity scene with your friends and loved ones.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.   Psalm 100:5


*Join me for The Call on December 15th at 6pm Pacific time.   Dial 530-881-1300 and key-in 642848#

To reach me by email:  Donna@DonnaSchuller.com