“CHILD OF GOD”
THE WARREN AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
©Thomas B. Cundiff
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHP 7:OO PM
MEDITATION
For this hour of worship we take a short break from the hectic schedules of this day to celebrate the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, Messiah, born to us our savior. Through this worship we take a break from family obligations, meal preparations, social gatherings, gift wrapping….worrying about all the expectations we place on ourselves to make this truly Merry Christmas…..
CONSIDER THESE CHRISTMAS EXPECTATIONS……
Expectations: For children in particular, the idea of a mystical Santa visiting our homes can create a lot of stress. How is Santa going to get down that chimney? What if we don’t have a chimney? What if Santa doesn’t like those store-bought cookies we put out tonight? For years the rumor has been going around that Santa is lactose intolerant. Better make a trip to the store on the way home and pick up some glutton free milk!
Just Wondering: How does Santa get around the whole world with presents for zillions of children – and all at the same time? Still trying to figure out how to explain that one to your children or grandchildren?
For adults gathered this evening: Through faith, we gather this evening to worship God who came to visit us as a child named Jesus. We have been celebrating the birthday of this child for over 2000 years. For me personally this is the 27th time I have been with you to celebrate this sacred birthday. The story never grows old. We place our faith each year in a very old story of Jesus born in a stable in a manger in a little town of Bethlehem
Another Christmas Expectation: We pray that Jesus will continue to be the steady, unwavering, unchangeable Son of God. As the world around us changes, we pray for Jesus to continue to be our savior. As our community faces numerous challenges this coming year, we pray for guidance from the light of Christ emerging from the manger of salvation. In our homes and with our families and friends, we pray for God’s compassion to continue to embrace us with divine love. Through this church we pray for God to continue to work bring warmth and security into the lives of those who are hungry and homeless and looking for some friendship this sacred night.
Far and near we pray for peace on earth and good will for all of creation.
So my final expectation and charge: With everything going on in our lives and the world and community around us – may we take pause in a few minutes when we light our candles, to gaze upon the flames remembering the many ways we have been blessed, and ways God’s light can continue to shine through us in the lives of others.
May the miracle of the birth of Jesus our savior continue to embrace you in the light of God’s divine love….
May we continue to embrace each other, in the name of Jesus, with the sacred words: MERRY CHRISTMAS! BORN TO US AGAIN THIS DAY IN A MANGER FROM SO MANY YEARS AGO IS JESUS -- EMMANUEL, CHILD OF GOD, MESSIAH – SON OF THE LIVING GOD.
MERRY – MERRY CHRISTMAS!
