We rejoice, for the Light of the World has come to darkness. Jesus Christ is the Light that no darkness can overcome. Advent is a season of preparation as God’s people watch and wait for Christ. We will be pondering the songs found in the gospel of Luke. The song of an old priest named Zechariah. Mary, the pregnant teenager. And angels come to shepherds in the countryside. We ponder these songs and rejoice.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. The light no darkness can overcome.
Jesus, open our eyes to your light and our ears to your words of hope. Come, O long-expected Jesus. Our hope is in you. Amen.
Word: Luke 2:10
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Meditation: Humble Witnesses
Today’s meditation is written by Allison Lewis.
Imagine yourself in the following scenario: you’re a shepherd living in a field outside of Bethlehem. All around, your sheep make soft noises as they settle down in the grass for the evening. With a shepherd’s staff in your right hand, you pull your cloak closer around you for warmth. It’s dark and cold, and you’re on night watch, scanning the area for potential predators that could harm your sheep. Despite the cold, the night is clear. You see a bright star shining over Bethlehem.
Suddenly, the sky is electric. The sheep shuffle and scurry in fear.
It’s so brilliant that you shield your eyes from the light.
A gentle voice says it has brought good news for all people—a savior has been born today.
Then the voice says, “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12).
You leave your sheep and follow the other shepherds to Bethlehem, to the manger, just as the angel has instructed.
Then, you see him.
It’s the Christ child, sleeping on a bed of hay.
He’s surrounded by his parents and a stable full of animals: a cow, a donkey, a lamb and even a few chickens.
It’s dingy. It’s lowly. It’s meek and mild.
It’s not at all fit for a king, much less the king of the world.
The scenario above must have seemed astounding to the shepherds who witnessed it. Of all the ways for God’s son to enter the world, why did he choose such a humble and quiet way?
Better yet, why did God choose the shepherds to bear witness and spread good news with all the people?
I don’t know about you, but I’m extremely glad for this low-key entrance. It reminds me that God shows up in unexpected ways, in ways that surprise us and humble us.
It reminds me that God understands our fragile humanity.
It reminds me that God uses ordinary people to work in extraordinary ways.
Follow the star. See the savior. Spread the joy.
Dear Lord, thank you for sharing the message of your son to the shepherds that first Christmas. Help me to spread the story of his birth and the joy of your salvation with others around me. Amen.
Prayer for Neighbors
· For my immediate geographical neighbors.
· For my community, neighborhood, town/city.
· For neighbors hurting from broken families, addiction, violence, abuse, poverty, sickness.
· For the eyes of the Good Samaritan, to see and help my neighbor in need.
Closing Prayer
Father, in the midst of darkness may we cling to your sure and certain promises. Promises sealed in the blood of Christ and proven trustworthy in the empty tomb on Easter morning. Amen!