Jean Wagner here. This manger scene has been placed under the Christmas tree for as long as I can remember. It was there throughout my childhood, and when I started my own family, my mom gave it to me. (I even have the original box!) It’s there, front and center, to remind us of the first and most important Christmas gift. This can be a difficult time of year. Money stress. Family issues. The empty places of loved ones. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s not all “fa la la la la.” We need forgiveness, both given and received. (I’m not sure which is harder.) We need hope that this life isn’t the end of the story. Whatever it is that we need, God says, “I AM.” This sometimes messed up thing called “life” needs a Savior. Thankfully, we have one: Jesus. Try to appreciate this gift. Don’t stick it away, forgotten on a shelf. Don’t sell it on social media. Don’t trade it for popular opinion, politics, revenge, success. Don’t trade it for anything. May the peace that passes all understanding surround and fill you.
From the staff here at Holy Cross,
Merry Christmas!