Merry Christmas!
by Roslyn Catracchia, Worship Director
Merry Christmas, Everyone!
I really cannot believe I'm saying those words! I feel like I just blinked, and a whole year has passed. But Advent is indeed upon us, and I am truly looking forward to reflecting more during this very special season.
Whoever came up with the idea of having four weeks of Advent before Christmas .... thank you! I can get so lost in the busyness of Christmas that it can be easy to forget the real reason for the season. But this gives us breathing space, time, and gentle reminders for almost a month leading up to Christmas Day.
Typically what I respond to is precisely that – gentle reminders with themes of hope, peace, noel, angels, and joy, among others. But this first week of Advent, we are centering on the theme of Mighty God! And I am thinking of sweet baby Jesus in a manger, tired Mary and Joseph having traveled so far, no room at the inn. Where is there evidence of our Mighty God at this moment?
Then I think of Luke 2:8-14
"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!"
Those angels, to me, represent the Mighty God in His glory. I imagine our Heavenly Father wanting to shout this from the mountaintops He created: "Hey, everyone! World! WAKE UP! My Son has been born today! I cannot wait for you to meet Him!"
This past Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent, and for the first service, we sang the song "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus." The lyrics remind me of the mighty power of God in a baby ... "born to set Thy people free." Everything in these lyrics reminds me of the mighty power of God.
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free.
From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art.
Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver. Born a child and yet a King.
Born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious Kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit, rule in all our hearts alone.
By Thine all-sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Reflection:
Read Luke 2:8-14 again, and take note of what stands out for you.
Have you ever had a moment when you were in awe of God's might and power? Think about that time and praise Him for being our Mighty God.