| Advent Devotions
A WORD ABOUT ADVENT The Christian Calendar begins with Advent, which means “arrival.” It is the celebration of the coming of Christ the four Sundays prior to Christmas. The liturgical color for the season of preparation is purple, a symbol of royalty. Jesus is "king” because his earthly lineage is from the royal house of David and divinely descended from the Court of Heaven. Thus, Christ is “King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And he shall reign forever and ever.” This devotional booklet is designed to make your Advent Season more meaningful.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
ADVENT PRAYER Loving Lord,
Monday, December 1, 2008 ADVENT By Barry R. Bainton “And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.” Luke 1:45 KJ The season of mystery and expectation, miracles past, foretell of miracles to come. Hagar and Sara, Ishmael and Isaac Two great nations born of Abraham Elizabeth and Mary, John and Jesus God’s promise in two messages Baptism by water, Baptism by spirit Out of nothing, the world recreated Out of death, the promise of life Mystery and expectation The season of Advent Wait and Wonder
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Lessons From my Father My father was a Lutheran minister. Since I grew up in a parsonage I am sometimes asked how that impacted on my faith. Was I a good girl because of fear of eternal damnation? Actually, no. I never really believed in hellfire. I couldn’t reconcile that notion with the picture of gentle Jesus speaking to all the little children seated around him. I was good-insufferably good, or at least wellbehaved.I knew even as a child that I was not a superior person because I was “good.” I was “good” only to avoid punishment. A cross look or a mild rebuke reduced me to tears. I secretly admired my little brother who was not in the least intimidated by fear of punishment. He was like the character on the old Red Skelton radio show, “If I dood it, I get a lickin----I DOOD IT!” What did I learn from my father? I don’t have memories of him sitting down and teaching me anything, except how to eat corn on the cob—two rows at a time starting from the left side of the cob. I still feel mildly guilty for chomping THREE rows at a time. What I learned was from example. But not just his example. One of my most lasting memories is of a little old widowed woman who lived down the street coming to our house every Saturday night to put up my mother’s hair in curlers and pin curls because my mother had burned her arms and could no longer hold them up above her head. That was Christianity in action it seemed to me. She wouldn’t accept any payment, she did it out of love. Another powerful message, and this one is definitely from my father— “Concentrate on what you CAN do, not on what you can’t.” I’ve told the story many times of how when asked how he could survive not being able to talk after his massive stroke, he took out of his pocket and wrote with his left hand in scraggly print—“I can still SMILE!” Another message never verbalized by him but observed on countless occasions—If you’re feeling down look for someone else who may be even more depressed and do something nice for that person. One Christmas when none of his children were able to come home I dreaded phoning him because I thought he would be sad. I should have known my father better. He radiated joy because he had invited a family that had just moved to town to the best Christmas dinner he’d ever had. It really is more blessed to give than to receive. Lord, I am grateful for the lessons I have learned from others. Since I have been so incredibly blessed help me to be a blessing to others. Elsa Grieder
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
During the recent long and tedious political season, we were reminded that real issues often becomes clouded by diversionary and at times, nasty tactics. This isn’t only true of politics but when these campaigns take center place on news reports, their methods are hard to avoid. Innuendo, gossip, spin…these are accepted marketing tools and appear to be a fact of life in our society. It’s much easier to attack the messenger than to face the issues. This is ultimately a very egocentric approach that avoids responsibility for the consequences of actions. As Christians during this Advent season, we should be reminded that we are called to a higher standard. The model that Jesus represents for us is an extraordinary one…asking us to place love at the center of our lives, to see with clear eyes the world around us and then to act accordingly. Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that stands when all else has fallen. (1st Corinthians 13: 8 (J. B. Phillips)
Prayer: During Advent, let us all recommit ourselves to the model of love that your life represents in the Scriptures.
Ken Clauser
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Isaiah 40:3 Prepare Ye the way of the Lord Luke 2:41 Today a Savior has been born to you, he is Christ the Lord
I confess! I like ritual. I like tradition. Worship is more meaningful to me when we, as a body, recite the Lord’s Prayer, sing the Gloria Patri and the Doxology. I miss it when we don't. I am especially happy to once again hear our church bell ring, calling us to worship. It is probably my Anglican upbringing, but it is a part of me.
The tradition of the Advent season brings with it the ritual of lighting the wreath and retelling the Christmas story. We celebrate with the ‘Hanging of the Greens", decorating the sanctuary with wreaths and lighted candles in the windows. Soon after, poinsettias grace the pulpit. The choir blesses us with the singing of carols and other special holiday music. It is beautiful and I love it! At home we prepare our traditional family recipes and get together with lifelong friends. I think of my mother as I prepare the Christmas stollen. The Springerle mold comes out as Sam rolls and cuts this German Christmas cookie recipe handed down from my grandparents. We chop and stir Grandmother Bowser’s fruitcake, a Hall family tradition. (Yes, fruitcake and it is delicious!) We have started some new family traditions. Sam’s homemade candy, a cookie exchange with our daughter, a gift of a sheep to Heifer International, just to mention a few. Even my Christmas cactus is budding. Getting ready to announce the coming. (How does it know??)
At church we make plans for the Christmas breakfast and the Christmas Eve service. We look forward to ringing in the Christ child. Our hearts are more open and our pockets more generous as we consider the poor, the homeless and our desire for peace in the world. Can you walk by the Salvation Army bell-ringer without dropping something in the bucket?
Plans are made for family gatherings. Lists are made for gifts. Cards to be sent and jobs to do. Some would say it is "too much busyness". It is "not the reason for the season". But , for me, it is the way I get ready . It is tradition.! It is part and parcel of my way of preparing for Christ’s coming. It is a joyful time!!! Prayer:
Dear Lord, prepare our hearts and minds as we look forward to once again, in the year 2008, celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. "Good Christian friends rejoice with heart and soul and voice. Christ is born today,Christ is born today". Mickey Hall
Friday, December 5, 2008
"A True Advent Message" The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me. Isaiah 61:1
Whenever the post Thanksgiving days have passed my thoughts turn to Behtlehem and the incredible story of the birth of the baby Jesus.
I remember the first time I visited that little Holy town. As I walked its crowded streets I was struck by the poverty I saw, the numbers of soldiers carrying machine guns, and the introduction by theguide to the little dark cave when he said it is possible that this is the very place where Jesus was born when his Mother and Joseph were told that there was no room for them in the Inn.
None of the places or people were a part of my childhood days when the warm, cozy, secure feelings were impacting me along with the Christmas carols, church celebrations and pious sharings about the birth of the Saviour of the World.
During my adult visit to Bethlehem I was reminded of the true realism of the poverty of people, the hunger of families all over the world and the death and destruction of people because of uncontrolled hatred The message in Isaiah 61:1-2 which God sent to introduce His loving Son says "the Lord has annointed me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Prayer: Our Loving and life giving Father hear us as we enter this season of good news and hope. Point our minds in the true direction you desire of your children. Help us to discover the deeper meaning of Your Son's birth and sacrifice through his ministry and death. Amen
Orlando Tibbetts
Saturday, December 06, 2008
The angel appeared to them saying do not be afraid
As we struggle to determine what it is this economy needs to recover from a recession let's consider how we got here in the first place. What tendencies brought us to this point in time. With wall street shaking in it boots and main street lining up in the unemployment line. Was it arrogance,greed,ignorance or lack of responsibility. Maybe all of these things? God only knows how we can get out of this mess.
The solution to our failures are the victories of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without a doubt there will be souls saved and hope restored. It is the dawn of a new era, the beginning of the right way, the Lord's way. It is not a political party platform to right the way it is our Lord's. Fear is a key ingredient, however it is a wake up call, can we hear it? I believe many will hear it and respond. The Lord has planted the leaders among us to show us the way.
What ever or who ever can help us, another key is that we help each other. There is no role to small to be played in an emergency. What ever decisions we make whether it be morally, economically, environmentally, let us make them prayerfully. Seek the small voice who we some times tend to ignore. Some times decisions from our lord may not seem easy however necessary. Let us seek Gods guidance as we work. When we do this we shall reap the harvest of love , grace and success. Certainly we can do this and not be afraid.
Lord let us seek your way in our walk today. Amen
Richard Lepore
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined. Isaiah 9:2
I am often so encumbered by both the business and busyness of living that Christmas Eve at First Baptist comes as a startling moment of light and peace in the over-filled life I lead. I believe that God shines his light on me and tells me that there is a very good reason to come out of the darkness and I am deeply grateful. Being asked to submit this Advent reflection has allowed me to “see the light” earlier in the season and spend Advent in anticipation rather than in the dark. I feel blessed to have this opportunity because it has encouraged me to do the thing I constantly ask my teachers-in-training at Brown to do – reflect, reflect, reflect. What better thing to reflect than the light of God’s love in the journey toward that love incarnate in the Christ child of Bethlehem.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the light of your love, which is an eternal flame. May it shine in all our hearts as we enter Advent. Give us an increasing sense of joy, so that even in the darkest places we will see and know your promise that is renewed each Christmas. In the name of Jesus, child in that Bethlehem manger, whom you sent to save us all. Amen
Ruth Marris Macaulay Monday, December 08, 2008
In the Book of Common Prayer it reads “In the midst of life we are in death”. It should read “in the midst of death we are in life”. At my age I know that shortly these creaking joints and my aching back will have an ending and this tired old body will be disposed of. But this shining soul of mine will start the eternal second leg of life’s journey in what St. Paul describes as “unspeakable joy”. As the choir so powerfully sang recently “there’s no more crying there, we are going to see the King”. Alleluia! Sam Beachen Tuesday, December 09, 2008
John 1:1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
There is a Hassidic fairy tale that tells of a rabbi who while walking through the woods sees a vision of the Hebrew letters of the Torah jumping off the page, coming to life and dancing joyfully in the air. What a beautiful vision of the Word made flesh. Who does not dance for joy at the sight of a new-born? That is why Christmas is filled with joyful and peaceful images and messages even in the secular world. “Peace on earth” and “good will” are secular values; and they are sacred values as well.
Advent is a time of waiting…for the promise of that joy and peace to come. We wait for many things in this world, and often that waiting is filled with anxiety. Psalm 37 says “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him.” The parable of the wise and foolish virgins suggests that while we are waiting, we should be preparing, for we do not know the day nor the hour of His coming.
This Advent let us Prepare for the birth of our Savior by engaging in Prayer, Patience, and the Practice of taking the time to bring “Peace on earth, good will toward [all]”. If we Place Christ on our hearts and minds, we can carry the joy that Christmas brings all year long, and like the rabbi of long ago delight at the dance of joy of the living Presence of Christ in our lives, the Lord, Emmanuel, God with us. Stephen T. Martorella Wednesday, December 10, 2009
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things. -- Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)Meditations Moments set apart to examine, or to reflect upon meaningful ideas, notions, memories, Editing them to keep them secure, making them available to self and others; Directing them from inward to outward areas: Insisting upon their personal value, Trusting their worthiness And knowing their value to others. Telling them as they come, Interpreting from life, Only for growth: ‘Neeling before God with the heart, Savouring the relationship. Violet Becker
Psalm 72:1-8
As this is written the country is getting used to an incoming Presidential administration. Pollsters and newscasters are debating the effectiveness or lack thereof to attempt to measure the leadership of a new president.
Psalm 72 is a prayer for a new leader, in this case, the king of Israel, perhaps part of a coronation ceremony. The primary focus of the prayer is justice and righteousness and a call for the king to be a defender of the defenseless, for that is the measure of a good leader in God’s eyes.
What traits do we value in our leaders? A winning smile or quick wit; or dim wit! Is it eloquence or loyalty to a certain agenda? In God’s eyes a good leader isn’t one who pays back those who got him over the top, but one who doesn’t overlook those who have been forgotten by society. God prefers compassion, justice, and righteousness in a leader.
What will it mean to be a leader who also bears the name of Christ? (See Luke 4:16-20). Friday, December 12, 2009 Psalm 100 We may all feel God’s presence with Joy! We give thanks to the Lord with singing As we serve the Lord with gladness. I know God through his son Jesus We are God’s children because he made us; We are His people just as the sheep are of His pasture. We enter into God’s world with Thanksgiving; Praise is given for this world we live in. I give thanks to God and Bless his Holy name. Each day I am reminded of God’s goodness. I know his love will be with me always, Just as his faithfulness will be with all people forever. Our Father, I thank you for all of those joyful sounds we so often miss hearing but can appreciate when we quiet our heads for a moment. I pray that each day I may remind myself to listen carefully to the varied tunes your creations have given me. What unique calls the cardinal sends forth…. Such constant rhythms are heard as the waves come and go at the beach…. Even the wind can be heard in the still of the night! It is because of these awe inspiring, quieting sounds that I am reminded of your presence in my life. I ask for more of these reflective times that each day I will be aware of God’s goodness and his steadfast Love given to each of his children. Give us a few moments right now to just listen to the pleasant sounds around us and to give you thanks for all of the blessings of this world. Jeanne Kolb Saturday, December 13, 2008 Psalm 62 Truly my heart waits silently for God. God is my guide through life. God gives me strength and confidence. On my own, I am assailed by doubts, anxieties and confusion. I am stressed by the need for decision making. Truly my heart waits silently for God. God is my guide through life. God gives me strength and confidence. God remains faithful despite my doubts. God is a source of hope in times of distress. Trust always in God. Open your hearts to his love, For God is our shelter. Do not trust in material wealth. I have learned that God is powerful and God is loving. God will shower us with mercy and blessings. Linda Bausserman Sunday, December 14, 2008 Psalm 23 God is my guide so I don't worry about getting lost. He leads me toward the direction where I am comfortable, calm and rested. He feeds my spirit so I am satisfied. When He is present I am on the right path. Even if I get close to dangerous places which could risk my life I am not afraid when He is with me. His presence keeps me safe from harm. I know that He will feed my needs even if I am fearful. He heals me so that I am filled with love and satisfaction. So I know His continued presence assures me that good things and forgiveness are part of my life forever. Louise Rodine-Doucette Monday, December 15, 2008 Galatians 5:16-24 If you want to know the power of the demonic, try not being a consumer this time of year, when it’s “Shoppocalypse Now.” It brought to mind the old worn out abbreviation: WWJD? Only WWJB (What Would Jesus Buy?) Those who need consumers to consume, because it’s good for the economy won’t like it. But when it comes to spending or buying, I just can’t picture Jesus being interested in it. Besides, big business was one of the three forces that put Jesus on the cross; the other two being religion and politics. Messing with folks’ pocketbooks can get you killed. Shopping malls have become America’s true places of worship, along with sports stadiums. We have Providence place and Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. But did you know that the Mall of America (love that name) is so big it has its own police station? Jumboism makes it difficult to find anybody who thinks we shop too little. There are plenty of folks who lament the financial situation, but feel powerless to resist it, it’s become so ingrained: Christmas is the time to buy gifts. It’s just what we do. So What Would Jesus Buy? I doubt he would purchase anything outsourced made by underpaid and overworked kids in 3rd world countries while the corporations rake in billions. I think Jesus would buy something that supports the local economy, so businesses can be good for workers and not just CEO’s or shareholders. I think Jesus would give gifts on Christmas. But not the kind he’d have to spend cash on. Probably something made from materials already on hand. He’d give gifts that really matter: the gift of presence, love, joy, peace, gentleness, selfcontrol: the gifts of the Spirit, the ones that really count. Tuesday, December 16, 2008 Isaiah 50:6-12 Injustisce is like Oily gray soot belched from factories, Covering the windows with hazy film. And no matter how much We shine and polish and pretty up The insides of our churches, Our light cannot shine out. The world can’t see the light For the shadow of injustice darkening the glass. Hunger is like A baby’s long cry That cannot be silenced. And no matter how well sung Our Christmas cantata, The world cannot hear it. The world can’t hear the music For the cries of the starving. Useless criticisms and mean-spirited rumors Are like an infection That eats away at the body. And no matter how eloquent Our confessions of faith, The world cannot believe them. The world can’t see our heart For the sight of our self-inflicted wounds. But if we choose the way of our Lord, Then our light will break forth with brilliance, Our music will go fourth with dancing, Our love will embrace the world – And one another And God will be with us. Wednesday, December 17, 2008 Isaiah 35:10 Advent points to a birth and all the joy involved. But we already know the connection between the crib and the cross. Joy and sadness are as close to each other as the colored leaves of a New England autumn falling to the soberness of barren trees. When you touch the hand of a cherished friend, it’s done with the awareness that he will leave you again. Joy and sadness are born at the same time, both arising from the deep places in your heart, that you can’t find words to capture the complexity of emotions. But this intimate experience in which every bit of life is touched by a bit of death, can point us beyond the limits of our existence. It makes us look forward in expectation to the day when our hearts will be filled with a joy that no one shall take away from us. Reflection The Church celebrates the human birth of Jesus, knowing the child grew up to offer his life as “a ransom for many” (Mk. 10:45) and was raised from the dead on Easter. The mystery of death and life is part of the celebration of Advent, a celebration that proclaims the victory of life over death. We have not been promised a life free of sorrow, but one in which joy will have the last word. Wednesday, December 18, 2008 Luke 1:46-56 On the Christmas cards They look so serene, A calming, quiet scene Of mother and child. Comforting and reassuring. A young mother, quiet and reflective. A newborn child, innocent and sweet. They look like a lullaby. But listen indeed to the song The mother sings, The song she has sung ever since the day They told her the news. It’s a song for people who have nothing But music and hope to hold onto. It’s a song for everyone Who’s been on the wrong side of the tracks And the short end of the stick. It’s not a song For putting baby to sleep. It’s a song for waking up a world. For the lowly will be exalted, And the last will be first And the hungry will be fed, And the rich (whose hands are already full) Will be sent away empty. And a no name woman from a no name town Will give birth to the Son of God. And a baby in a feed trough Will turn the world upside down. Friday, December 19, 2008 Psalm 89:1-4. 19-24 I feel like singing this morning, O Lord. I feel like telling everyone about me How great You are. If only they could know the depths of Your love And Your eternal concern for those Who will follow You! But my songs are so often off-key. My speech is so inadequate. I simply cannot exparess what I feel, What I know to be true about Your love For Your creatures upon this world. But even the songs of the birds Proclaim Your praises. The heavens and the earth beneath them, The trees that reach toward you… The green hills and soaring mountains, The valleys and the plains, The lakes and the rivers, The great oceans that pound our shores – They proclaim Your greatness, O God, And Your love… How glorious it is to be alive, O Lord! May every breath of my body, Everybeat of my heart, Be dedicated to Your praise and glory. Saturday, December 20, 2008 Luke 1:26-38 And what did you think When the angel spoke your name And handed you a dream And a son And a savior? You were troubled, We’re told, And I wonder if Your heart raced And your mouth went dry And if you pinched yourself To see if it was real. You had questions, We’re told. How can it be? You said And I wonder what else raced through your head. Any birth is a miracle and mystery, But to carry God in your womb… How can it be? You were troubled and full of questions As any young women had a right to be, But in the end you simply said “Let it be to me…” In the end, There were only the words of faith. And in the end, that was enough. And her body, The Word became flesh. And the angels smiled.
Sunday, December 21, 2008 John 16:18 The Fourth Gospel has an intriguing phrase, “a little while.” It’s not about how long, but how creatively will we live in the meantime, where most of life is lived? Living in “the little while” with care is to cry with those who weep and rejoice with those who celebrate. Living in expectation, as if on tip-toe is our attitude when we break bread and drink the cup, not to still our hunger or quench our thirst. But to do so with the realization that God’s presence among us is the same one who came, but is still to come in God’s good time, “the little while,” who touched our hearts but not completely removed our sadness. So when we share communion, we do so not as people who have arrived, “We see through a glass darkly” (I Cor 13:12a), but as those who can support one another in anticipation “until we see face to face” (I Cor. 13:12b). Prayer Lord Jesus, all Thy people are united in having to live in “the little while,” and also in anticipation of Thy return. May we draw strength in our common celebration of Advent and that it would bring us closer to Thy intentions for us “from the foundations of the world” (Psalm 18:15). Amen Monday, December 22, 2008 Ephesians 1:3-14 The dream was like this… I stood before the Lord God, miserable in my shame. For in the brilliance of that presence, I seemed shabby and small. My hands were dirty and my face was smudged, and my clothes were far too worn and patched for such fine company. God invited me to come forward, and brushed a tear from my cheek and I thought my heart would break for the tenderness of that touch. And God gave me the keys to a fine and beautiful home, nestled among the trees, fast by a stream, a place of light and beauty. I looked at the keys in disbelief. “You don’t understand,” I stuttered and whispered, “I don’t belong in such a place.” And God smiled, and said, “But it is your. Even before you were born, I've been preparing it for you. It is the only place where you truly belong—a place of great love and deep compassion. “A place of mercy and grace that will not fade nor go away.” “But I’m dirty from my sins and I’m bloody from my hurt and I’ve stubbed by toes and skinned my knees and torn my clothes. How can I belong in such a place?” And God smiled and said, “I will wash you clean, and I will dress you in new clothes, clean and soft with grace. I have sent my son ahead of you to prepare the way, to show you how to live as my child. For that is what you are—my child. “I have called you and loved you and chosen you to be mine. And this place, this life, I give to you. For you are my child.” Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Matthew 1:18-23 Christmas gives our faith a shot in the arm, by reminding us what matters in life, what love is, and the difference it makes in our lives. The last time I was in Knoxville, we noticed a woman across from our place with several kids, who’s car wouldn’t start. I offered to help and brought my jumper cables. She pressed the starter and nothing. Same thing again. I noticed lots of corrosion on the battery cable and borrowed the Coke from a kid in the back seat. After pouring some of the carbonated drink on the cable, this time the car fired right up. In the same way, Christmas removes the accumulated clutter in our lives so we can reconnect with our power source. The key to connection is the word Emmanuel. “His name shall be called Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” Prayer: Reconnect us this Advent season Lord, to our power source. Show us how to use what we have to empower others, and remind us that the best gifts are wrapped in heaven and sent from Thee. Amen. Br’er Dan #36 Wednesday, December 24, 2008 Luke 2:7 For the majority Christmas time is no longer a day to celebrate the mystery of the birth of God among us, the God hidden amidst the wounds of humanity. It is no longer the day of the child, awaited with prayer and repentance. Instead Christmas has become a time when companies send elaborate gifts to their clients to think thank them for their business, when post offices work overtime to process the overload of Hallmark cards, when immense amounts of money are spent on food and drinks, and socializing is a full-time activity. Trees are decorated and lit up streets, angelic tunes at the grocery store and kids telling their parents, “I want this and I want that.” The shallow happiness of busy people often fills the place meant to experience the deep lasting joy of “Emmanuel, God with us.” Action Ponder the meaning of Advent this Christmas Eve, God is there, sustaining you whether you pay attention to him or not. God is always there, but on this special day we take time to notice. Henri Nouwen Thursday, December 25, 2008 Matthew 1:23 And so it is Christmas Day. For some, no doubt, the day dawned far too early, with kids who can’t understand how adults can sleep late on a present-giving morning. For others, the house will be filled with family and the fun of enjoying one another’s company. But others may feel nothing as keenly as the absence of a loved one creating an empty space in the heart. The closest company will be memories of years past. Christ came for all of us in whatever situation we find ourselves this Christmas Day. For bleary-eyed young parents and lonely senior adults; for those who rejoice and those who sorrow; for kids laughing with delight; and those who try to hide their disappointment; for the rich and those struggling to keep their heads above water; even those whose charge cards are exhausted after the December workout. Christ came for these. His name is “Emmanuel, God with us.” It’s mind-boggling, but take a moment to contemplate this: God came into the world the same way we arrived into the world – small, helpless, dependent; an infant with 10 tiny fingers and toes – it’s both absurd and wonderful. We have waited for him, longing to be loved without reservation or condition. Someone with eyes to see beyond the fools we make of ourselves, the hurts we hide, and the giftedness we ignore. A staggering thought for Christmas Day: God came to be with us. Amen.
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