Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary was a perfect space for Jesus because she was never cluttered with selfishness. God made her Immaculate because she welcomed Jesus; God wants each of us to welcome Jesus and so become Immaculate like Mary. There's an old habit of putting one piece of straw in the manger for each kind thing we do before Christmas. What can you do to make a soft place for Jesus? (9 Dec 2013)