Smack-dab in the middle of our Advent wreath sat the manger, empty until today when we popped in the little wooden baby to symbolize the birth of Jesus born smack-dab in the middle of our mess — our sin — to save us all. Thanks be to God.
The angel told her,
“Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor
with God.
You will become pregnant, give birth to a son,
and name him Jesus.
He will be a great man
and will be called the Son of the Most High.
The Lord God will give him
the throne of his ancestor David.
Your son will be king of Jacob’s people
forever,
And his kingdom will never end.”
— Luke 1:30-33
