Hasten, urge on eagerly. Speudō. The shepherds made haste to find the child, and the disciples ran to the tomb. Urgency and eagerness belong together in the life of faith. Move toward what matters.

And, both, also. Té. A small connector that binds two things into one thought. Even the smallest words in Scripture carry the weight of divine intention. Notice what God joins together.

Mary, Miriam, beloved name. María. Carried by six women in the New Testament, from the mother of Jesus to the first witness of the resurrection. God entrusts his most sacred moments to the faithful. Show up.

Joseph, a name carried by seven Israelites. Iōsḗph. From the pit to the palace, from the manger to Egypt, God worked through every bearer of this name. Faithful obscurity often precedes appointed purpose.

Infant, unborn child, baby. Brephos. John leaped in the womb when Mary's greeting reached Elizabeth's ears. God knows and moves upon a life before it draws its first breath. Every life is known from the beginning.

Laid down, appointed, destined. Keîmai. The infant Jesus lay in a manger, and this same word marks him as appointed for the rise and fall of many. What is laid down by God is never merely resting. It is positioned with purpose.

Manger, feeding trough. Phatnē. The Son of God was laid in a place built for animals to eat from. The one who is the Bread of Life entered the world in a feeding trough. Receive him as your sustenance.