With Advent beginning this week, I have been taking time to reflect upon the Gospels from beginning to end. A common literary practice in Biblical times was "framing" of stories in between important events (the Greek is "inclusio"). When we read the Gospels, the life of Jesus is framed in such a way between his birth and death. This Advent, take some time to appreciate the Manger in the light of the Cross. The life and ministry of Jesus is made complete to human eyes when we take the time to recognize the significance of the linkage between his conception, death, and resurrection. Happy Advent!

Christ's birth brought hope,

But His death brought life,

Wisemen, Mary, Joseph

Christ born in a manger that Holy night,

Angels shouted "Glory!",

To praise His eternal might,

The Son of God came down,

To destroy death's eternal night,

We now see true love,

Born in a manger out of sight,

In Bethlehem,

A baby inhaled life,

On a cross our God exhaled "It is finished—",

His destruction of death and strife,

The mystery of Salvation carried out:

Wooden stable,

His Holy Night,

Wooden cross,

Our Eternal Life.