Christmas Eve
Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-14
The Light Has Come
For weeks we have waited for this day to come. While we know it is coming, the childhood feeling of anticipation never goes away. Today is Christmas Eve. Soon we will gather with our family and friends to exchange gifts and share holiday meals. Children will be sure to go to bed early to ensure prompt delivery of Santa’s goodies. Step outside and listen. Even the city is a bit more peaceful today. Real or imagined, there is a chill in the air. The sights, sounds, and smells. There is no day like Christmas Eve!
As we have waited for this day, we liturgically placed ourselves into Israel’s story as a people waiting for the Messiah to come. On Christmas Eve, we become those who have “seen a great light,” for “tonight, in the city of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” The light has come to shine in the darkness and illuminate our lives.
Whatever you do today, watch for the light. The light shines in the smile of a child. The light shines in the warm embrace of a loved one. The light shines around the table with family. This evening, the light will shine at Bayshore as we gather for our annual Christmas Eve service. The light is everywhere. May your heart become its manger today and every day.
Merry Christmas!
-Rev. Alex C. Gallimore