Ever since we unpacked our nativity this morning, Lauren has been holding baby Jesus tight.

First, my three-year-old lovingly placed all the figures in the stable. As I came by to see her progress, I noticed a special addition Lauren had chosen for the scene: a small gift for baby Jesus that she laid beside the manger. Shortly after, baby Jesus disappeared from the stable. I found him safe and secure, tightly held by little fingers.

Lauren hasn’t let him go since.

As we begin the month of December and the Advent season, keep your focus on that stable scene, and the baby who was born to set you free.

Don’t let go of Jesus.