During the first years of our marriage, my parents came to see us once or twice a year. Because the visits were infrequent, they were special events. Anticipation of their arrival created occasions to make small repairs, do some painting, and clear away the clutter. Twenty years later my mother moved to an apartment across the street from us. She became a frequent visitor, and we were less careful about our arrangements.

If you have ever anticipated the birth of a baby, you know there are many preparations to make. One of these is the provision of a nursery, a space exclusively for the new arrival. Advent is our opportunity to prepare for the coming again of the world's most important baby.

Here we have one of the most familiar prophecies of the coming of the promised One. Handel set this passage to glorious music, "For unto us a child is born," in the oratorio, Messiah.

The Good Shepherd is a name Jesus gave to himself. Those who listened to his messages, as he wandered around Palestine, were familiar with shepherds.

Our world has seen any number of people who have claimed to be its savior. All, except one, were evil and selfish. The dictionary says a savior is "one that saves from danger and destruction." Only God can really save us. Who would have expected a peasant baby, born in a stable, to be the Savior of the world?

Although our country has not had a king for over two hundred years, we are still fascinated by royalty. People are willing to drive many miles and line the streets to catch a glimpse of a king or queen.

The Logos, the Word, the creative power and energy of God, became a human being and lived in our world. Here is the glory and mystery of Christmas. God did not send someone else. God came.