Christmas
In the quiet of this holy night, we gather to celebrate the coming of the Light of the World, a beacon of hope in our waiting hearts.
Isaiah 9:2-7 foretells the birth of a child, a son given to us, whose light would shine in the darkness, bringing joy and peace to a weary world.
In the vulnerability of a child, we find the promise of God’s boundless love, a love that knows no bounds.
As we gather in this season of Advent, we join a chorus of voices echoing through the ages, proclaiming the arrival of our Savior.
Tonight, we light the Christ candle, a symbol of the Light that has come into the world, dispelling the shadows of doubt and fear.
As the flame grows, may our hearts also be kindled with the fire of God’s love, warming us from within.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied exultation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders,
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Great will be his authority,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Isaiah’s words remind us that unto us, a child is born, a son is given, and he shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
In this sacred space, may we feel the presence of Emmanuel, God with us, as we come together to celebrate the birth of our Savior.
As we journey through this Christmas season, may the Light of Christ guide our way, leading us to a deeper understanding of God’s boundless love.
Amen.
