Christmas Eve Thoughts

Oh, give ear, Shepherd of Israel,
You who lead Joseph like a flock;
You who are enthroned above the cherubim, shine forth!
Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up Your power
And come to save us!
O God, restore us
And cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.
                                                - Psalm 80:1-3

Advent is a time or preparation: buying presents, preparing food and drink for our feasts, decorating, but mostly preparing our hearts for Christmas. We become aware as we look to our hearts and to our world, that all is not right, nor peaceful, nor filled with good will. We quietly reflect on how much we need...something... to save us. And so, in the midst of celebrating the advent of Christ, our thoughts and hearts are drawn to the second coming of Christ when He will make all things new. Christmas can then become a time for commemoration, and a time of anticipation.

Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,
TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”
                                                 - Luke 1:78, 79


Readings suggested from Seeking God’s Face