This week’s lessons
First Lesson: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Canticle 15: The Song of Mary Magnificat: Luke 1:46-55
Second Lesson: Romans 16:25-27
The Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
A message from Rev. David
Today we light the final candle in the Advent cycle. The waiting we have done is almost complete. The light is full and bright. And in this new light, we can, just maybe, see clearly the work that needs to be done for this child. We may see some things that give us joy. Equally, we may see some things in that work that may scare us a bit. But in the glow of that light, we also know we are up to the task we are called to. The waiting is almost over. Let’s get ready for Christmas and the arrival of the child who changes everything.
Let us pray.
Our hope is in the coming of the Lord.
May God’s love shine in our hearts.
And may the Lord’s peace be with us all.
The Lord is our hope and our life.
Light all four of your candles and take a moment to reflect on this Advent time. What has the Advent time of waiting shown you?
Let us pray that the newborn Savior will bring us love that lasts forever.
Lord, our minds and hearts are filled with hope. We long to hear the voice which tells of the coming of the Christ child.
Amen.
Thomas Merton once wrote, “Not only do we celebrate Christmas to call to mind the consoling fact that He is our Redeemer. Not only does he come bringing us graces and gifts, Not only is he born to give Himself in some manner to us. There is much more: He is born in Bethlehem in order that he may be born in us. He gives himself to us as a child in order to share not only his infant smiles and caresses but, above all, His very birth and infancy. He is born Son of Man in order that we may be born sons of God, or souls being Bethlehem in which he is born “for us.”
I sincerely wish we could be together for Christmas Eve. In lieu of that, I wanted to recommend you check out the services offered on-line from the National Cathedral in Washington. Get the pass (no charge) for all the Christmas services and concerts. I will also offer some thoughts and meditations on Christmas Eve.
Wishing you the blessings of these last days of Advent in this tumultuous year!
Yours in Christ,
Dave+