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Straw for the Manger is the theme of this year’s advent devotional. I love the idea that each day of advent there are concrete things I can do to prepare the manger for the Christ child. These are ways that fall under the “whatever you do for one of the least of these, you do for me” category. And isn’t that what we are to be about? Giving the “straw of hope” to others reminds us of what we are capable of because of Love.

It is the smallest things that can have the biggest impact on someone who is downtrodden, and in providing that shovel on the sidewalk for the neighbor that we are filled. What can we offer? Maybe it is fixing a bike tire or signing your organ donor card. It could be writing that letter to ask forgiveness for some past mistake and repairing the torn friendship. Or passing around the homemade cookies or other goodies you know someone loves.

It could simply be the smile you give to the overwrought clerk at the store who has put up with abuse all day long, and a thank you as you take your leave.