Saturday, December 24, 2011

My dearest God,

Christmas Eve has always been the most special day of the year for me.  Ever since I can remember the holy has come to me.  More than 55 years ago in my grandmother's tiny United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Indiana it came as a bright light while my cousin and I sang in harmony Silent Night, Holy Night.  As very young Jimmy and I sang our duet, the light shone uniting our voices in unison, one voice to sing your praise.

Several years ago it came as I offered the Eucharist at the late service.  I stood in the front center aisle holding the bread when my hands literally became a manger.  What I was offering was Jesus himself. 

This morning in the predawn hours, I plugged in the Christmas tree and mantle lights, lit a candle, turned on Christmas music, and sat down with my bible in front of the coffee table where I always put my olive wood nativity scene that I carried back from Bethlehem.  I leaned over and moved Joseph and Mary from a "far away" place into the stable and then lighted my oil lamp to the side of the creche.  Suddenly, the nativity came to life.  Mary, Joseph and the animals became real as I read aloud the birth story.  As I was reading the story Susan Boyle sang Do You Hear What I Hear?.  As I sat alone with the holy scene before me, I breathed in your glorious presence and let the music warm my faith and joy as Susan Boyle sang Make Me A Channel of Your Peace, supposedly the words of my favorite saint, Francis of Assisi.

What I know to be true is that you continually reveal yourself to us.  You want to be known and experienced.  You want us to know your love and grace.  You want to come to us and you want us to welcome you in.  On Christmas Eve something extra special happens.  I can't explain it nor would I want to.  There are just those mystical moments to be enjoyed, embraced, and enjoined into our hearts and spirits.  And as I make myself ready every year, you show up unexpectedly in ways I could not manufacture and I am always amazed and humbled.  Today was no different.  You came to my home when I came to your manger.

Christ,
saviour and
hope of the world,
let your
light shine
every day
in my heart.
Keep the door
to my soul
open, propped open,
ready to
welcome you in.
Let me
shine your light
this Christmas,
I pray.

Love, Andrea