The Christmas crib that we placed at the side altar and at the front of our church is for our everlasting comfort and consolation. The figures in the straw - the animals, the shepherds, the wise men, the lantern light, and the stars are all signs to us of human warmth and wonder, of tenderness and compassion in a cold and lonely world. Read these signs. Look long and longingly upon this scene, this place of comfort, and hear the voice of the Angels: Today our Savior is Born. The Christmas story is a wonderful story and its wonder will not diminish. It speaks to children first of all, and tells them how lovely life can be. It speaks to the child in every one of us and calls us back to childhood's dreams and joys. It speaks to growing teenagers and tells them not to forget the wonder to be found in simple things. It speaks to adults and softens hearts that the world has hardened. It speaks to the elderly and to the infirmed and reminds them that our weakness and frailty is surrounded by the certain love of God. Yes, God certainly does love us and has spoken to us in Jesus. Looking back on the story, at the end of his own long life, St. John expressed as best he could what filled his heart. Jesus is a light that shines in the dark. Though He was not accepted or heard by very many people, those who listened, heard. They were given power, the power to be children, children of God — and children know … and children hear … and children can see … Merry Christmas