Dear readers,

Happy Christmas Eve! I’d like to give a word of encouragement from the traditional Book of Common Prayer:

Fourth Sunday of Advent
We beseech thee, Almighty God, to purify our consciences by
thy daily visitation, that when thy Son our Lord cometh he
may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; through the
same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with
thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for
ever. Amen.

From bcponline.org

As Christmas quickly dawns upon us, let us not forget the true reason to have hope in this season. Although it’s always fun and festive to have lights, presents, and sweets in abundance, these are not the focal point of this sacred holiday.

In my own Yuletide celebrations, I’ve become disillusioned and worn out from the commercialization associated with this holiday. Much of America has made this about money, about profiting and adding to the things we have in plenty. Because of this, it is easy to forget those who do not have as we do. However, when we remember what this was meant to be about, things change.

Christmas was established to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Incarnation of God the Son is central to the Christian religion. There is an awe beyond comprehension in contemplating that the Word became flesh, or as C.S. Lewis said it, “Myth became Fact.” Of course, by myth here Lewis means not false tales but a transcendent Truth too lofty for our feeble minds to grasp.

Jesus came in mercy to bring us forgiveness of our sins. He came to reconcile us to God, and heal our heavy hearts. He came to bring light to our darkness and give us joy. When we ponder these things, we realize selfishness never was the key to joy. Jesus came in humility, taking on the form of a baby lying in a manger. Jesus is the Son of God. We mere men and women, therefore, should find no trouble in humbling ourselves to serve the needy.

“In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness, and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:78-79) In this season, we celebrate with lights because of the Light that came from heaven to earth.

“May your days be merry and bright!” I pray that the Lord would shower shalom and joy on you and your family as the Light of Christmas dawns upon us. As you see Christ’s light in your own life, remember to shine into others’ darkness, humbling yourselves in mercy and love as your Good Shepherd did for you.

Please leave a comment below if you have another meditation on the beauty and joy of Christmas!