Object: A broom.

Lesson: Advent; waiting; preparation; making room for Jesus.

Having invited the children to come to the front of the sanctuary, I turn to the steps leading into the chancel area and begin to sweep, using the broom I have brought for this purpose. As the children arrive, I move to one side so they can take their places on the steps. "What was I doing as you walked up here?" I begin.

"Sweeping," they answer.

"Why was I doing that?" I continue.

"To get the floors clean," comes their response.

"That's right," I affirm. "I was sweeping away some of the straw that has fallen out of the manger, so you wouldn't have to sit on it. I was preparing the steps for your coming." Then, changing my line of thought in order to keep their attention, I ask, "Have any of you ever cleane…