On the pages of the nativity narratives, we encounter the faces of people and angels who were participants in the story of the ages, the birth of Jesus Christ. Some, like Mary and Joseph, were main characters whose faces glow with beatific serenity and ferocious protection in portraits created through the centuries. Others, such as the innkeeper and the midwife are bit players whose kindness and integrity shine forth through a careful reading of the nativity narrative.
This collection of readings for Advent allows us to peer through a looking glass to see the faces of those whose lives were a part of the birth story of Jesus, a Facebook of sorts for the nativity. Their frailty connects with our humanity, and their courage gives us hope for today, as we as Christ-seekers immerse ourselves in the faces of Advent.