Psalm 78:24-25 ...he rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the grain of heaven. Man ate the bread of the angels; he sent them food in abundance.

This passage from the Psalms is but one of a half dozen references in the Bible to the story of the manna in the desert. The frequency with which the biblical authors go back to this story tells us that they see it as an important event in God's relationship with Israel: The Lord not only freed the people but nourished them, even when they grumbled and complained.

The grumbling of the Israelites and God's response may remind us of a common scenario between children and parents: Even in lean times, good parents will do all they can to provide for their children, even if those children grumble and complain. Confronted with this story, we are convicted. How are we sometimes like the grumbling Israelites? How has God provided "bread" for us or our community? How can we imitate a God who provides "bread" for even those in our life who seem not to appreciate us? As we journey together through the desert of Advent, how can we practice trust and gratitude for a God who has given us and will give us each day bread from heaven?

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