Straw for the MANGER.... Advent 2011



And she brought forth her firstborn SON+
and wrapped HIM+ in swaddling clothes,
and laid HIM+ in a manger;
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Advent 2011
Straw 1

Straw for the Manger is a necessary thing for the CHRIST-CHILD'S first earthbound bed.   Let us provide that straw, as a memorial of good works and repentances, to prepare for HIS+ coming, to remember HIS+ first Advent among the sons of men. For every good deed, kind deed, for every turning the other cheek, for every submission of our tongue to CHRIST JESUS, let us put a straw into the empty manger box and prepare our hearts for the Coming of The LORD.  

STRAW 1

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of HEAVEN.

Are we living our lives "poor in spirit," ... or do we clamor to have our way in things around the house, on the job, with others at church, etc. ? Do we make certain to give place to others and relinquish our "rights" or our demands , for CHRIST'S sake, Who+ blesses the humble of heart? Are we witnessing for CHRIST in this manner.... or are we the ones who try to control everything and everyone around us?

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O LORD of the Humble of Heart, 

Help me to stop being "in control" of everything. Help me to work towards what produces GODLY fruit in me, first, and then in others. ... so that others may see THEE+ , not me. Amen.