Daily Advent Reflection & Creche Exhibit

“Journey to Bethlehem”
Creche Exhibit & Virtual Pilgrimage
December 24, 2025

Merry Christmas! We have concluded our Advent preparation, and during the next 2 days, we will be celebrating the birth of the Christ child in the manger at Bethlehem. This creche scene, which sits in front of our altar at St. Gregory's Episcopal Church is an invitation to you to come and receive the precious gift of God's love for you. May you and your families have a blessed Christmas!

Imagine the baby Jesus laying in his mother’s arms. The long night of labor is over. The screams, the blood and water, the sweat and swearing, they are now a shadowy memory. The blessedness of this child is the bright morning dawn that puts those painful events into perspective. For unto us a child is born. This is an image of peace. There is a spiritual bond exchanged between the eyes of mother and child. The mirror neurons are firing and the spiritual/mental/physical connection is forming. And yet, this is just the beginning. This precious child will grow up in a world that will be filled with those who hate him and love him. The Roman oppressors are still there. The greedy, powerful, and violent are still clinging to control. So, we too, his followers, gaze into God’s eyes, filled with assurance of being loved, and we move into the hopeful growing of the year ahead.

Let us pray…Oh God, our blessed parent, giver of life, fill us with your love, hope, and courage. Hark! We hear the thrilling voice calling us into the new day. Amen.