Finally, Bethlehem!
Read
Luke 2: 8-14
“Glory to God in the highest heaven…”
Mary and Joseph arrive in Bethlehem. The completion of their nine month season of waiting and anticipation was finally at hand. After traveling for at least the better part of a week, I bet even a stable was a welcomed sight. Soon the angels would be singing. Soon the shepherds would come to greet them and see for themselves this gift of God’s love. But, at this point in the journey, Mary and Joseph were probably happy just to have a moment to stop and take a deep breath.
Our Advent journey, too, has almost
reached its destination. We are putting the final touches on our days of
working and waiting. Christmas Eve has arrived. This holy day always invites us
to stop and take a deep breath, to stop and prepare our hearts to once again
receive God’s greatest gift of love.
On this final day of preparation, I
invite you to find a few quiet moments for prayer and reflection. Ask God to
take away any barriers or obstacles that are keeping you from receiving the
fullness of God’s presence in your life. Ask for help in forgiving those who
may have harmed or disappointed you in any way. Sweep away any of that old stuff
which might be keeping you from being fully present to God. Quiet your mind and
your spirit. Prepare to receive the gift that God is waiting to share.
As you share these quiet moments, pay attention to your breathing. Breath in all those people and places where you have encountered God’s presence over the past several weeks. Breathe out and give to God anything that might hinder you from accepting God’s delight in you. Breathe in God, breathe out all that other stuff!
May God’s love in the Christ Child be born anew in you, this Christmas Eve.
O God, the author of joy, the source of all rejoicing, let us discover the joy you have intended for us. May the joyful promise of your presence make us rejoice in our hope of salvation. Amen.
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