EMPTY CRIB NATIVITY

An empty crib is seen in a Nativity Dec. 19 at the headquarters of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington. During Pope Francis’ Dec. 19 morning homily, he asked people to pray before the empty Christmas crib during the last days of Advent and say, “Come Lord, fill the crib, fill my heart and encourage me to give life, to be fruitful.” CNS photo