Advent 2023

Christmas Day!

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (Luke 2:8)

For many families, going to church on Christmas Eve is a cherished tradition.  In my home church, the tradition was to begin the service at 11:00 pm so that the lighting of the candles came at midnight as Christmas Eve turned to Christmas morning. 

My father was the Minister of Music and my mother sang in the choir so my brother and I would always be sitting on the front row of the congregation so that we were under the watchful eye of both parents.  Though large, the sanctuary was always completely full and it would become very warm.  

For young children, this was a late hour and sometimes we would fall asleep. Eventually someone near us would gently wake us with the words “It’s time!”  We certainly did not want to miss this part!  We would hold our candles high singing, “Silent Night,” followed by “Joy to the World,” as Christmas Day arrived. As the candlelight spread through the sanctuary, we knew it was a special time and felt the love surrounding us.

I wonder if some of the young shepherds may have been sleeping when the angels arrived with the joyous news of Christ’s birth.  Maybe they were awakened just in time to see the glow in the sky and hear the amazing words, “Glory to God in the Highest!”

During Advent, we wait with hope that “it’s time” for God to come into the world anew.  We pray for a world that needs love and peace. Then, as Christmas comes, we know it’s time, our time, to hold our candles high and spread God’s light throughout the world.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, come into the world anew.  Enter our hearts, so that just as we passed the flame to welcome Christmas, we might pass your love and peace to light the world.  Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Susan Daves.

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