December 2008
Monthly Archive
Christmas Eve
Posted by Mark on 24 Dec 2008 | Tagged as: Uncategorized
There has always been something I have loved about Christmas Eve. When I was little it was probably the anticipation of the next morning, opening presents and being with my family. But as an adult it has always been the settled feeling when everything is done in preparation for the next day… and there are a few quiet moments by the decorated Christmas tree. Sitting there quietly reflecting on the year, enjoying the moment is a special time. The older I get, those moments span a wider diversity of memories. Often those memories involve a transition of one kind or another. Some were joyful, a new family member or a new home. Others brought tears, because I had had to say goodbye to someone I loved that year. There are usually thoughts of family, near and far.
All of those thoughts flow from the importance this “holiday” has figured in my family gatherings. But obviously there is another message. Jesus. This year I am struck again by the angels first words to the shepherds. Fear not. Fear is such a primal part of our existence. It seems that there are so many things we can be afraid of and fear shapes so much of what we do. We are afraid of people, afraid of situations, afraid of being rejected, afraid of being hurt, and most of all afraid of God. But the angels talked about good news of great joy. They talked about a savior. Born!! Adam and Eve were afraid of God in the garden. But who is afraid of a baby? The mystery of the incarnation is that God took on human form so that we could comprehend something otherwise incomprehensible to us. Love. If I am painfully honest with myself I will admit that fear is a pretty easy emotional response on my part. But everything about the Christmas message is that we have nothing to fear. Love is in charge. Although I may walk through difficulties, pain and suffering Love will still win. Fear not. The angels have brought us good news of Great Joy. Today there has been born for US in the city of David, a savior who is Christ the Lord.