“Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.”

Every member of my family knows how to get into my house and disarm the alarm. They also know they don’t need my permission to come over, make themselves at home, bring their friends, and help themselves to whatever is in the cabinets and fridge. My name may be on the title and bills, but it is our family’s place. They know I love when the place is neat and tidy. But they know even more that I can live with some clutter if it means having them here. When family and friends are around, there is a harvest of love and laughter. There is an abundance of caring, playing, and deep understanding. There is also a lack of judgment, criticism, and pretense. We have a barn full, and there is a plentiful harvest of all things good. God is at the center. Even those not quite there with Him yet can sense His spirit hovering about and weaving through the stories. My heart breaks for the childless. I understand that for many, it is not their wish, but it is their reality. This is a time to reach out and include. I am home alone many evenings—those aren’t my favorites. When the six-year-old laughs, we all do. That is magic. When the ninety-two-year-old cries, we all do. That is mystical. God created us to have a busy, full, cluttered manger. Today, invite the crowd into your journey—and enjoy. #BeTheEdge

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” Psalms‬ ‭133‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬