Object: A wooden manger with hay in it.

Lesson: Advent; love; laughter.

"We have some competition for our space on the chancel steps this morning. What is that thing?"

"A manger," one of the older boys announces eagerly.

"A manger?" I question. "I wonder if there is anything in it. Would one of you up there on the top step stand up and see?"

One of the older children complies. "There's hay inside," she reports.

"Well, that's about what I expected. You see, mangers were used in barns and stables to hold the hay for horses and cows so they wouldn't have to eat off the floor. Did any of you see any cows in church this morning?" My question elicits surprised laughter from the children. "That seems like a silly question, doesn't it? Who ever heard of cows in church?! Well, I didn't see an…