Literature & Fiction, Contemporary, Literary 

Since he was a boy growing up in Mississippi, Father Tim has lived what he calls the life of the mind. Except for cooking, gardening and washing his dog, he never learn to savor the work of his hands.

And then he finds a derelict nativity scene, including a flock of sheep, that has suffered the indignities of time and neglect. Can he give the small assembly new life? Restore the camel's ear, repaint every piece, replace an angel's missing wing? You can't teach an old dog new tricks, he reminds himself. Besides, it's his wife who's the artist in the family. Then he imagines the excitement in Cynthia's eyes, and steps up to the plate, beginning a small journey of faith that touches everyone around him.