Back in 1994, two Americans were invited by the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics in their prisons, at their businesses, fire and police departments and even at a large orphanage. They were also told they could teach from the perspective of their faith.

So they went - as witnesses to the light, like John the Baptist "to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him." They believed that Jesus, the true light that enlightens everyone, had come into the world.

The experience of these two in the Russian orphanage proved to be particularly illuminating. According to one of them, "Will Fish" - the name of a real person, perhaps, or a pseudonym for an anonymous Christian who was willing to "fish for people" there were about 100 boys and girls in the orphanage. They were children who had been abandoned, abused and left in the care of a government-run program. Fish tells the following story of what happened when the holiday season approached and it was time for the orphans to hear - for the first time - the traditional story of Christmas.

"We told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem," says Fish. "Finding no room in the inn, the couple went to a stable, where the baby Jesus was born and placed in a manger. Throughout the story, the children and orphanage staff sat in amazement as they listened. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word.

"Completing the story, we gave the children three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manger. Each child was given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins I had brought with me. No colored paper was available in the city. Following instructions, the children tore the paper and carefully laid strips in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel, cut from a worn-out nightgown an American lady was throwing away as she left Russia, were used for the baby's blanket. A doll-like baby was cut from tan felt we had brought from the United States.

The orphans were busy assembling their mangers as I walked among them to see if they needed any help. All went well until I got to one table where little Misha sat - he looked to be about 6 years old and had finished his project. As I looked at the little boy's manger, I was startled to see not one, but two babies in the manger.

Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger. Crossing his arms in front of him and looking at his completed manger scene, the child began to repeat the story very seriously. For such a young boy, who had heard the Christmas story only once, he related the happenings accurately - until he came to the part where Mary put the baby Jesus in the manger.

Then Misha started to ad lib. He made up his own ending to the story as he said, 'And when Mary laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him I have no mamma and I have no papa, so I don't have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn't, because I didn't have a gift to give him like everybody else did.

But I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. I thought maybe if I kept him warm, that would be a good gift. So I asked Jesus, "If I keep you warm, will that be a good enough gift?" And Jesus told me, "If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me." So I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and he told me I could stay with him - for always.'

As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears. The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon nor abuse him, someone who would stay with him - for always."

We call Jesus by the name Immanuel, which means "God with us." In this Advent season, we discover, like the orphan Misha, that the God who came in

Jesus invites you to join him in the manger. Enjoy him always, and share him in all ways. Maybe you'll adopt a low-income family this Christmas, and direct a significant percentage of your gift giving toward them. Or you'll promise to pray in a consistent, disciplined way for a troubled region of the world, or a person struggling with illness or a personal situation.

Or maybe you'll brainstorm with others about creative and compassionate ways to reach out to the neighborhood. Or you'll teach a class of children, opening their minds and hearts to the stories of the Bible. Or you'll ponder how best to live out your Christian faith in the workplace. Or you'll include in your New Year's resolutions a commitment to daily prayer and Bible study. Or perhaps you'll talk with friends about what Jesus means to you, and why you feel a need to be close to him.

In John 8, the Pharisees challenge Jesus about the validity of his testimony. Jesus explains that even if he testifies on his own behalf, that his testimony is valid. Since the Law of Moses said that the testimony of two witnesses was valid, Jesus counted as one and his Father counted as the other, and that if they really knew him, they would also know his Father.

Of course, they don’t or won’t understand what Jesus said, so they finally ask him point blank; "Who are you?" Jesus replied; "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be."

When Pilate asked Jesus if he was the king of the Jews, Jesus answered; "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." Pilate said; "You are a king, then!" Jesus answered; "You are right in saying that I am a king, and for this reason I came into the world, to testify to the truth."

Just a few hours after that conversation, Jesus would die on the cross. Folding under political pressure, even though he could find no reason to put Jesus to death, Pilate sentenced Jesus to die. God the Father’s Son, born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger, grew up, and during his ministry performed hundreds of miracles, healed the sick, raised the dead, and testified to the truth. But that’s not where the story ends.

Three days later, Jesus would rise from the dead. Forty days after that, he would ascend into heaven. Having finished his saving work on earth, He triumphantly returned to heaven as the Victor over sin and hell. Seated at his Father’s right hand, He now occupies a position of supreme power and dominion.

It is a great comfort for us Christians to know that He, who has all power in heaven and on earth, is our dear Savior. He is Lord over all and the Head of the Church. He governs the universe for the well-being of His people, so that all things work together for the good of His Christians.

He continues to perform His threefold office of Prophet, Priest, and King. As our Prophet, he gives us teachers. As our High Priest, he intercedes for us. As our King, he governs the kingdom of power in the interest of his kingdom of grace.

Whatever Christ did and whatever he still does is motivated by his tender mercy and love. Christ came into the world to save sinners. By the grace of God through faith, we are redeemed from the powers of sin, death, and the devil. Christ bore our sin and guilt on the cross. He also bore our punishment. We no longer need to fear the final judgment and eternal punishment.

Jesus said; "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me, has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life."

There's always room for another baby in the manger. The invitation has been extended. How will you R.S.V.P.? Amen.