Of The Royal Meadow

 We're down to the homestretch, right before all the merry-making begins. The twinkly lights may or may not be in place, the groceries may still need to be purchased, and sometimes we are still in need of that one last-minute gift idea and nothing left on the stores shelves seems to fit just right. What I propose can't be bought on store shelves, but I can guarantee it is on every person's unspoken wish list this year.  Over the years, I've had several opportunities to be the new girl in town, and this year is no different. I have found myself in a new worship community, quite different from the one that came before. It has given me time to ponder this year what it might have been like for Mary and Joseph as they traveled to Bethlehem and then onto Egypt for a time.  What things might they have encountered? What questions might have been posed to them in these new places? They carried the Savior of the world in their arms, but it wasn't obvious to all the passersby,...