Scripture: Luke 2: 8 – 20
Music “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”
Reflection: Throughout the season of Advent, we are constantly bombarded with reminders about how many days remain before Christmas. Despite our wishing for a 25th hour in the day, we have a limited amount of time to do everything that we want and need to do. In the midst of our Christmas shopping, parties, concerts and sporting events, we are challenged to take time to remember the true reason for the season. While it is not uncommon for us to feel hurried during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we need to stop and remember what, or better yet, Who all this excitement is about.
In Luke’s gospel, we are reminded that on the night of the first Christmas, the shepherds were hurried as well. No, they were not running off to do some last minute shopping. Having received the angelic news of Jesus’ birth to Mary and Joseph in the manger, the shepherds hurried off to find the Christ child. In all the excitement, they recognized the divine invitation that they received, stopped what they were doing and traveled to Bethlehem. By choosing to recognize the holy presence of Christ in their midst, they found themselves to be hurried, but hopeful.
As this Advent season continues, may we seek to find creative ways to recognize the presence of Christ in one another. While shopping, for example, why not say a simple prayer for those on your gift list? At a party this season, try offering a prayer of thanksgiving for each friend in attendance. By choosing to recognize the presence of the Christ child in one another this Advent season, we too can remain hurried, but hopeful.
Prayer: Prince of Peace and Patient God, we thank you for the gift of this season. Forgive us, Lord for those times when we get so caught up in the busy-ness of our days that we fail to recognize Your presence in our midst. Give us the courage to pause from time to time. Help us to recognize You when we hang out with our friends and spend time with our family. Prepare our hearts, O Lord, so that we may we be open to receiving the gifts of peace, joy and hope as we anticipate Your birth this Christmas. Amen.