Cradle and the cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the town of Bethlehem and Mary’s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for ” the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all.” It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in holy communion — with high delight — “we proclaim the Lord’s death.”