Object: A wooden manger with straw in it.

Lesson: Advent; revelation; discipleship.

"There's something on the steps this morning, taking up a LOT of room. What is it?" I ask.

"A manger!" respond those children who recognize it from Christmases past.

"Why is it on the chancel steps?" I continue.

"To celebrate Advent?" Sally questions.

"Yes," I reply, "to celebrate Advent, a time of waiting for someone to come. For whom are we waiting?"

"Jesus!" the children answer, with eagerness that gives a special energy and urgency to their voices.

"Yes, we're waiting for Jesus. This is December, it's Advent, and we're waiting for Jesus. But it doesn't feel like December, does it?" The children shake their heads negatively. "It's gotten so warm the last two days it feels like spring," I suggest.…