The manger symbol, with the haloed Christ-child, has been long been used during the Christmas season. Here, in this lowly estate, lies the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the eternal God who created all things. The IHS are the first three letters for the Greek spelling of Jesus, "Savior." As the 5th century hymn-writer, Sedulius, once wrote: "Upon a manger filled with hay In poverty content He lay;

With milk was fed the Lord of all, Who feeds the ravens when they call." In this holy season, may we gather at the manger of our Lord, through Word and Sacrament, and marvel at God's immense love for us sinners. Through faith may our hearts also be a quiet chamber kept for Him.

Donald Moldstad is Chaplain at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota.