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

SCRIPTURE: 1 John 1:1-4

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.  This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

CHRISTMASTIDE REFLECTION

John and his brother James were among the first disciples called by Jesus. It is traditionally believed that John was the youngest of the apostles and survived the rest.  He played a leading role in the early church. John’s passages on the pre-existence of the Word and the incarnation of Christ as the light of the world are among the most well known in the New Testament.  Light is an important part of the celebration of Christ during Christmastide. Wine is traditionally blessed on this day in remembrance of the legend that John safely drank poisoned wine offered to him by his enemy after he had blessed it. It is also an act of reconciliation to share a cup of wine with an “enemy” on this day.  In 1983, Pope John Paul II visited Mehment Ali Agca (the man who had shot him two years earlier) in prison and shared a cup of wine with him. As we commemorate John the Evangelist, how can we share God’s light and grace with family, friends, and casual acquaintances today? And who might we need to share wine with in an act of reconciliation?

COLLECT:  Written by Collects are short general prayers used in Christian liturgy to draw our focus of worship.  The collect today is from the Episcopal Eucharistic Lectionary.

Shed upon your Church, O Lord, the brightness of your light, that we, being illumined by the teaching of your apostle and evangelist John, may so walk in the light of your truth, that at length we may attain to the fullness of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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MUSIC VIDEO:  Lauren Daigle:  Light of the World

IMAGE: Saint John the Evangelist from the Book of Kells (c800)

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

SCRIPTURE: Acts 6:8, 15:59-60

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. . . All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel…While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

CHRISTMASTIDE REFLECTION

Traditionally, the day after Christmas commemorates Stephen, a deacon in the early church in Jerusalem and the first Christian martyr. Stephen, in Acts 6, was selected to participate in a fairer distribution of welfare to the Greek-speaking widows.  There is a tradition, dating back to the Middle Ages, of giving money and other gifts to those in need on this day. Almsboxes in churches were traditionally opened and distributed to the poor.  In Britain, boxing day was celebrated, beginning in the 1830s, as a day where the British aristocracy were said to give their servants the day off and provide them with a gift of some sort in a Christmas box.  Other countries in the British empire adopted this tradition, as well as several other European countries.  While boxing day is not an established custom in this country, the spirit of giving being extended beyond Christmas day is a good practice to observe throughout the year.  Remember that generosity multiplies and is not something that should be reserved for one or two days of the year.  God calls us to be generous in our treasure and, also, in our relationships with others.  Stephen modeled generosity in sharing resources and in asking for forgiveness of those who were his enemies.  Where are we called to extend our generosity?

COLLECT:  Written by Collects are short general prayers used in Christian liturgy to draw our focus of worship.  The collect today is from the Anglican Church Book of Common Prayer.

O Glorious Lord, your servant Stephen looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors: Grant that in all our sufferings here upon earth we may love and forgive our enemies, looking steadfastly to Jesus Christ our Lord, who sits at your right hand and intercedes for us; and who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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MUSIC VIDEO:  Robert Shaw Chorale:  Good King Wenceslas

IMAGE: Peter Rubens:  Stoning of St. Stephen

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

SCRIPTURE: John 1:9-14

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

CHRISTMASTIDE REFLECTION

As early as 567 A.D., the church began to formally set aside the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany as both a sacred and festive season. Observing a prolonged festive Christmas celebration continued through the middle ages and early modern era, but in America the tradition has faded. It is Christmastide that represents the twelve days of Christmas known in the famous Twelve Days of Christmas song.  Following a year of much turmoil throughout 2020, it seems a great year to reflect on this tradition to enjoy the delights of the great gift of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, the Light of the World, as well as commemorate some of the great followers of Jesus, in the Christian tradition of Christmastide.

Christmas day marks the nativity of Jesus Christ…the incarnation of God on earth, fulfilling his promises throughout the Old Testament to be with us.  Human effort cannot make us children of God, but with Jesus’ presence and God’s grace…through the Word being made Flesh…we see God’s glory revealed in Jesus.  The shepherds marveled at the site.  The angels rejoiced.  Let us celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Our savior. Our king. Rejoice!

COLLECT:  Written by Collects are short general prayers used in Christian liturgy to draw our focus of worship.  The collect today is from the PCUSA Book of Common Worship.Kathleen Norris, a contemporary American poet and essayist.

Almighty God, you gave your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and be born of the Virgin Mary. Grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

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MUSIC VIDEO:  Pentatonix:  The First Noel 

IMAGE: Gerard van Honthorst: Adoration of the Shepherds

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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 Margot Wallace

In Matthew 2:1-12, we are told how the wise men from the East, carrying gifts for the new ruler of the Jews, made their long, perilous journey. With great faith, they followed the star to Jerusalem to worship the king. They were filled with joy as they worshipped the baby Jesus.  They avoided returning to Herod, who wished to impose harm on the Christ child.

How many of us have embarked on a trip with great anticipation, expecting a celebration in an unknown place? Trips are exciting but also demand focus to ensure the necessary connections for a successful journey. While we are limited in our ability to travel at this time, we still hold dear vivid memories of adventures in distant lands. I recall doing just that one birthday. I was going to Florence for the first time to meet friends and celebrate! Unlike following a star as the wise men did, there were many connections to ensure timely travel. My anticipation was great. Upon arriving, there were many new people to meet and places to see. The atmosphere was merry. Many gifts were presented to me on my special day. Like the three wise men, I had been led into an unknown environment, relying on faith, to proceed to a new place. The evening hours progressed with much celebration. The memories of this birthday are fresh and vivid. Do you have similar travel stories?  Think of one such favorite memory where you travelled to an unknown environment with great anticipation for the coming celebration by nothing more than an itinerary (star).  Perhaps on the way you encountered a “Herod” with his own deceptive agenda? 

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 98:4-6

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

Pause and meditate on the Scripture.

PRAYER:  Written by Kathleen Norris, a contemporary American poet and essayist.

Giver of all that is good, we thank you today for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who was born into poverty in a hard and cruel time, who gave himself for us, and lives with you in glory. We thank you for all your friends and prophets who have gone before us, and those who taught us to celebrate this feast of the Nativity with beloved Scripture and beloved carols and loud rejoicing. Help us to teach those who come after us that Christmas is a holy time, a time to seek reconciliation and peace.

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MUSIC VIDEO:  All is Calm, San Diego Opera:  Silent Night. 

IMAGE: Three Wise Men: Painted by Margot Wallace from our church

If using an advent wreath, light the two purple candles, the rose-colored candle, the third purple candle and the center white candle. The fifth white candle represents light and purity and is called “Christ’s candle.”

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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 Lois Blanchard Eades (1919-2011), an American poet.

If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two If He came unexpectedly, I wonder what you’d do

I know you’d give your nicest room, to such an honored guest and the food that you serve Him, Would be the very best

You’ld keep assuring Him, you’re glad to have Him there That serving Him in your own house, is joy beyond compare

But when you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door with arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor?

Would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? Or hide some magazines, and put the Bible where they’d been?

Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymn books out? Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about?

And I wonder…if the Savior spent a day or two with you, would you go right on doing the things you always do?

Would you go right on saying the things you always say? Or would life for you continue as it does from day to day?

Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you go? Or would you maybe change your plans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Him meet your closest friends? Or would you hope they stay away until His visit ends?

Would you be glad to have Him stay forever on and on? Or would you sigh with great relief when he at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know, the things that you would do, If Jesus came in person, to spend some time with you.

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 46:7, 11

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

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 Emmanuel, our king and our lawgiver, the hope of the nations and their Savior: Come and save us, O Lord our God.

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MUSIC VIDEO:  Choir of King’s College: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel  (submitted by Juan Carlos Acosta)

IMAGE: Mark Price: If He Came to Your House

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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.

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MUSIC VIDEO:  Libera:  Carol of the Bells

IMAGE:

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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 Allan Anderson

All Christians are aware of the Advent season. The story of Jesus’s impending arrival becomes foremost in our minds during the month of December and culminates with his birth on Christmas Day. It is the most demanding, joyous and family-focused month of the year. The year 2020 has added some additional dimensions to what we all may hope is coming, in addition to the most wonderful gift ever offered us, the birth of Jesus! Life outside of the church community is concerned about other comings. Will the end of the year bring the arrival of a new vaccine to offer protection against the continued COVID virus? As we move through December will doctors and scientists have brought forward new therapeutic regimens to help with current treatment options? Will we be able to gather together as a church community to celebrate our savior’s arrival?  Will families be able to join together in celebration and thankfulness for this very special time of year? There are also questions surrounding the arrival of the New Year, 2021. We will have completed the November election and hopefully begun the work of giving our nation continued positive direction that benefits us all. Vaccines, therapeutics, medical advances, and the sacrifice of so many will blend together and will direct a healthy and revised pathway that leads us in our faith, work, and caring efforts for the New Year and beyond. Advent is the “coming” and the arrival of our savior, Jesus Christ. God will send this light once again to strengthen our daily lives and actions that reflect our continued desire to follow Jesus, for life.

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 27:1, 5

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.

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 Morning Star, splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness: Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

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MUSIC VIDEO:  Hillsong Worship: O Holy Night

IMAGE: Painted by Connie McCoy of our church

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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 Laura Metzger

Joy is an emotion directly connected to Christmas. We think of the joy of exchanging gifts; the joy of children on Christmas morning; the joy of spending time with family and friends; the joy of celebration.  Sometimes happiness and joy are confused, however.  Happiness is often driven by earthly pleasures and is an emotion that can quickly disappear if things don’t go as expected. Joy, however, is a deeper emotion than happiness. Joy is a choice we make to pursue a life focused on God. Joy is more than feel good happiness; it is the inward peace and contentment we feel based on knowing God’s goodness. Joy is a deep-rooted happiness in the Lord’s strength and peace.  Joy is trusting when we want to doubt. Joy is celebrating when we want to fear. Joy is finding peace in times of anxiety. We demonstrate our joy by serving others, by seeing God’s work in the world, and by allowing our hearts to fully love each other. This Advent season is a great time to build Christ-centered joy into our lives by keeping Jesus in the heart of our celebration this year. Rejoice, pray, and give thanks that God is with us – experience the true joy of this season.

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 28:7-9

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.

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 Key of David and scepter of the House of Israel; you open and no one can shut; you shut and no one can open: Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house, those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

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MUSIC VIDEO:  Andrea Bocelli/Mary Blige: What Child is This

IMAGE: Melani Pyke:  Good News of Great Joy

If using an advent wreath, light the two purple candles, the rose-colored candle and the third purple candle. The fourth candle represents peace and is called the “Angel’s Candle.” The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace–He came to bring people close to God and to each other again.

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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 Irene Dickson (Continued from yesterday)

In the remote setting on the northern shores of Lake Kariba there were no churches. The village built to house the overseas workers was basic with dirt roads and not many facilities except a swimming pool…. and a factory shell that would soon be a sparsely stocked grocery store. My dad decided there should be some kind of celebration, so on Christmas Eve 1971 he organized all the families to gather in that empty building and celebrate the birth of Jesus. We had no pastor preaching the familiar story, no orchestra or choir leading us in worship, not even a chair to sit on. We did have candles-only because the electricity was not yet connected! A group of Christians worshipping together, someone shouting out the first line of a carol and everyone joining in, singing the words we all know and love.  The Village Church is beautiful in all seasons. The message and the music are powerful and relevant, particularly at Christmas when the campus is breathtaking, the meaning of the season profound. On Christmas Eve as I sit squeezed into the pew with John, our three young adult children, and friends who’ve chosen to join us, emotions overwhelm me. Whether in Methil, Kilembe, Kariba or Rancho Santa Fe, the songs, words, feeling and meaning of Christmas are the same. 

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

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 Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples; before you kings will shut their mouths, to you the nations will make their prayer: Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.

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MUSIC VIDEO:  Gabie Ntaate for NTV Uganda: Christmas in Peace and Harmony

IMAGE: Jesus Mafa (Cameroon): The Birth of Jesus with Shepherds

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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 Irene Dickson (Part 1)

My dad was a miner in the coal pits on the east coast of Scotland. Christmas Day was not an official holiday until 1958, and most folks worked unless Christmas fell on a weekend. When I was 5, and my sister was a week old, my dad left to work in the mines on the Gold Coast of Africa. My mom, sister Elaine, and I followed him a few weeks later and we spent the next 10 years on that continent where my dad worked in the Ashanti Gold Mines in Ghana, in the copper mines in the Ruwenzori mountains of Uganda, and at the construction of a hydroelectric power station at the Kariba Dam in Zambia.

Like many Christians in remote areas of the world today, we celebrated Christmas in any way we could. There were no department stores, many foods were difficult to get, and of course nothing came by mail except for trinkets and candy for my sister and me, along with dried potatoes and other necessities that were ‘smuggled’ in newspapers-the Sunday Post and the East Fife Mail-sent by relatives from Scotland. Christmas Day was spent at the community pool, along with all the other ex-pat families-many from the same area in Scotland as us. In Kilembe, Uganda, there was an Anglican Church. All were welcome and at Christmas time I remember the beautiful African voices singing our favorite carols accompanied by traditional African instruments mostly made by hand from sticks and animal skins. (Continued tomorrow). 

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 96:9-10

Worship the Lord in the splendor of hisholiness; tremble before him, all the earth. Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.

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 Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.

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MUSIC VIDEO:  God’s Grace Orphanage Nakawuka, Uganda: Merry Christmas

IMAGE: Church in Kilembe, Uganda (Submitted by Irene Dickson)

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