Away in a manager, no crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay,
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in your tender care,
And fit us for heaven, to live with you there.
Picturing Jesus as a baby boy wrapped in a manger often reminds me often what unconditional love really means. We often think of the unconditional love of a mother or a father when we think of unconditional love from God, but maybe that unconditional love is more like that of an infant. A little sleeping child loves so unconditionally and wholly because thoughts of anger and hatred have never even been processed by a baby’s infant mind. This is the pure, unconditional love of Jesus Christ, the love that never fails, that always comforts, and that we receive through the grace of God.
Loving and merciful God,
Thank you for your unconditional love and forgiveness, brought to us in your son, Jesus Christ. Though we may have days when love seems so hard, you guide us through these dark days to the light which is Christ’s love in our world. Help us to surround your children with the loving light of Christ this advent season.
Amen.