In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But 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!” -Luke 2:8-14
O Holy Night,
that deepening darkness above and around,
light-pierced and silence-shrouded,
out of which little children are called in
and seeking shepherds are sent out.
O night of nights,
you spread across heaven
surrounding God’s people,
capturing us in a moment of holy time,
like a globe protects a precious flicker of Light.
Come, draw us in,
hold us together
while we wait for the birth of the Light of lights,
the One who will guide us into the world anew. -Pamela C. Hawkins, Simply Wait
Action: The wait is almost over. Take time today to thank God for his faithfulness and promises kept.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are humbled by all the ways you come to us. As we wait and celebrate one last night we give thanks to you for your son Jesus Christ. Amen.