GOD’S WORD—Isaiah 9:2
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness – on them light has shined.
MEDITATION
On this wondrous day, in churches, homes, and diverse settings throughout the world, the account of Christ’s birth will be read and proclaimed – as it has for centuries. The second chapter of Luke’s Gospel, which records the nativity of our Lord and its surrounding events, puts it out there like the lead story on the front page of the paper. Refreshingly, there is no spin, no slant, no editorializing. It isn’t garnished with high-tech pageantry or 3-D animation. But there it is with all its simplicity and wonder. The first folks to hear the amazing news were not seated in a performing arts center waiting for the conductor to begin an angelic oratorio.
The story of Christmas meets people where they are at – ready or not. During this Advent, we had opportunities to ready homes and hearts for Christ’s coming, and this is all to the good. But the shepherds didn’t have a four week season to prepare. They didn’t purchase tickets for first row, center section, on the main floor! It just happened. It was announced to them. They had the word from God dispensed via God’s messengers, the angels. They went with haste and verified that Word. They told others about what they heard and saw for themselves. Unexpectedly, upon the darkness of their human condition (and ours!), a light shined.
Tonight we celebrate that light. The radiance and illumination it provides has never failed. The light was not given for the sake of razzle-dazzle. Rather, it is our light that leads us out of the darkness of humankind’s inhumanity to humankind. It beckons us forward to the glories God has prepared for us that defy description. Savor this night. Trust its message. Be at peace. Look forward to the rest of your days with joy, for you have the light; your Lord is with you!
PRAYER
O God, You gladden us with the yearly expectation of our redemption. Grant that we, who now joyfully receive Your only-begotten Son as our Redeemer, may also behold Him without fear when He comes to be our judge; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
VERSE
O Christ, redeemer virgin-born,
Let songs of praise Your Name adorn,
Whom with the Father we adore
And Holy Spirit evermore. Amen.
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