Away in our manger - Archdiocese of Baltimore

Before our boys went to bed on Christmas Eve, they went to place Jesus in our two nativity scenes.

Then they placed the Infant Jesus in the manger we have been preparing for Him throughout Advent.

Leo and Daniel were clearly proud and happy to see that small felt figure lying on the straw we have been adding to the manger over the past three and a half weeks. It hasn’t been a perfect journey and perhaps not a life-changing one, but it has helped shape our Advent, and I plan to include it again in our Advent preparations next year.

The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

From our family to yours, may you have a merry and blessed Christmas and find hope, joy, and peace in the coming year.