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Close your eyes, breathe, and clear your mind. Be still. Center your scattered senses on God’s presence.

REFLECTION: Written by Helen Harter

The kids were home from college, Grandma had arrived and after a busy day of cooking, baking and present wrapping, all were ready to attend the Christmas Eve services at church.  We left two friendly Golden Retrievers at home to “guard the house” and we headed off to church just a few blocks away. The service was inspiring, and my granddaughter joined the choir, lending her pure, sweet soprano voice to the beloved Christmas music.  We joyously discussed our favorite parts of the Christmas program as we returned to the car in the chilly winter evening.  Upon our return home we were faced with the aftermath of a break-in and robbery.  A rear window had been broken to gain entrance, bedroom drawers were emptied on the floor, jewelry and electronics stolen. Though everyone was unsettled, we still could thank the Lord, for we believe we returned home earlier than expected, and the robbery was aborted.  When they heard the garage door open, they fled out the back as we entered the house.  The two dogs, though very skittish, were unharmed and all the beautifully wrapped gifts were untouched.  After the police searched, dusted for prints, and had gone on their way, my son received a call from a “Good Samaritan” several towns away who, when going for an evening walk with his daughter, had discovered a discarded back-pack lying in the street.  Inside was my son’s business card which enabled the man to call with news of his discovery.  Christmas afternoon my son was able to go and retrieve much of the stolen jewelry.  Why the backpack was discarded we will never know, but we do know that all things work together for good to them that love God!

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 126

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

Pause and meditate on the Scripture.

PRAYER:  The O Antiphons are used at Vespers of the last 7 days of Advent in Western Christian traditions. The exact origin of the O Antiphons is not known but Boethius (480-524) referenced them. This translation is from the Church of England’s Book of Common Worship liturgy.

O King of the nations, and their desire, the cornerstone making both one: Come and save the human race, which you fashioned from clay.

Click on the link to see and hear the music video.

MUSIC VIDEO:  Libera:  Carol of the Bells

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