Shepherd's Straw for your Manger

During the weekend of Dec 14-15, shepherd's straw will be available in the church for your manger! Are you familiar with the practice of preparing soft bedding in the manger for the Christ Child using wisps of straw as tokens of prayers and good works performed throughout Advent? It was originally a French custom that quickly spread to other countries. Every night, a child or anyone else puts into the crib a wisp of straw for each act of devotion, good work, or sacrifice performed. "Thus the Christ Child, coming on Christmas Day, finds an ample supply of tender straw to soften the hardness of the manger and to keep Him warm".