Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.
REFLECTION: Written by Joanne Melton
Knowing that many of you have a similar memory, I would like to share mine with you. As a young family, Christmastime was the highlight of our year. The children’s choir rehearse sweet carols such as, Away In A Manger,” and What Child Is This….” Along with the children’s choir, there was practice for the Christmas Eve presentation of the journey of Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem, and ultimately, the birth of the Christ Child. It is a time when church staff, moms and dads, and grandmothers and grandfathers begin the process of casting who will be Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the Magi, and of course, the angel. The stable needs to be built, costumes need to be sewn, hours of practice take place so the children will feel confident in their telling of this wonderful story. There are smiles, laughter, and tears. Always some last-minute glitches…tummy aches, or reluctance to take that first step, say that first word. It is the sweet innocence of the retelling of this special story, that we all know by heart, that means so much. The narrator begins the story. Mary and Joseph find no room at the inn. They find comfort in the humble stable with all of God’s creatures who witness the birth of the baby, Jesus. The star shines brightly in the sky! The shepherds bring their sheep. The Magi bring their gifts. The children present this precious story as their gift to the congregation. It is given with love, innocence, kindness, and humbleness to remind us of the greatest gift…The Christ Child.
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 89:1-2
I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.
I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.
Pause and meditate on the Scripture.
PRAYER: Written by Emilie Griffin, a contemporary American author who writes about religious experience, prayer, and spiritual life.
Lord, give me hope. Let me see your providential hand at work in every corner of society. And let me be refreshed by the innocence of children, Lord Jesus. Let me be amused by their antics, their sudden laughter, their glee. Help me to be touched by the naivete of the Christmas narrative, the angels bringing word to humanity, Mary and Joseph escaping with their child into Egypt. May the light of the Incarnation flood my heart. Help me bring your peace into the world. Amen.
Click on the link to see and hear the music video.
MUSIC VIDEO: Over A Thousand People Came Together To Break a Record And Bring This Moving Christmas Hymn To Life: Gloria in Excelsis Deo.
IMAGE:
Pathways Press.com 
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