The table is set

Greenery woven into an advent wreath, holly leaves emerging from clusters of pretty red berries because God is alive, and he is fruitful.

Three purple candles and a pink candle surround one tall white one, all unlit because we live in darkness.

A ramekin of flour and a cup of vinegar on the table because we live in bitterness.

A small creche, its manger empty because Emmanuel has yet to arrive.

The Word of God opened to the Old Covenant because the prophets promise us a Messiah.

A hymnal opened to "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" because that is the song on our lips.

The table is set. Advent is here. We await you, Lord Jesus.