More from Mary Neumann

The homeowner who accepted Joseph and Mary’s request for shelter at the end of the procession was the town’s coffin maker. His business was in the front room of the house, and his family lived in the back.

He had cleaned out his workroom and had decorated a corner near the door. He had made a model of the town and had arranged it under a pine tree in the corner. The manger was placed in front of this scene. The remainder of the room was occupied by two or three coffins that he had for sale. The room smelled of sawdust and pine needles.

The contrast between the two sides of the room touched me—wood, coffin, and death versus tree, manger, and baby. The contrast illustrated that the Lord of Life had come to conquer sin and death. It also reminded me that Jesus is present at our time of deepest sorrow. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.