We know that great things have humble beginnings.
For example, great oak trees grow from small acorns. Big cities are built stone by stone.
As we begin a new liturgical year with the season of Advent, we are brought back to the humble beginnings of our salvation.
God's plan of salvation began in Jesus coming to the world as a little helpless baby.
And even in the ministry of Jesus, He used simple and humble things like bread to show the signs of the kingdom of God and God's care and love for His people.
All these simple and humble signs point to the heavenly banquet that is being prepared for those who accept the saving love of God.
So the season of Advent is a time to look at the simple and humble signs like the Nativity scene, the candles on the Advent wreath and the Christmas tree.
When we understand what all these signs point to, then we will know that God's saving love is found in the simple and humble people who do the simple and humble things.
Let us go back to the humble beginnings of our faith and may we grow to be signs of God's saving love for the world.