Imago Adventus - 25 - Light
Luke 2:10-20 - Light the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you:you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them
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One of my favorite times of the year is when I get home after our last Christmas Eve service. Its not because the Advent season is done, but I love coming home after those beautiful times of worship, heart full of the hope and light of Christmas, and coming home to a home of deep stillness but filled with expectation of what is to come just a few hours later. I don’t go immediately to bed but instead just spend some time in our living room listening to Christmas music, praying, writing, reflecting, and taking what I have termed the “requisite Christmas lights pictures” of the lights on our tree. The picture for today is this year’s shot. Last night, I was listening to The Liturgists’ new Christmas collection - O Light - specifically “O Come O Come Emmanuel” by Sleeping at Last. I was profoundly moved by reflecting upon the ways that I have experienced the gift of Christ in the last year and in the ways that I have seen that gift make a difference in so many lives. I am so thankful for the light - the light that transforms the darkness and the light that has not ever been overcome and never will.