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Shine forth like the dawnWednesday, December 24, 2008
Luke 1:67-68, 78-80 "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people ... In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace."
And the child grew and became strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel.
Will I notice the change? Did I notice the change last year? The streets are quiet. Sometimes I hear church bells ring. Smoke pours out of every chimney. Birds rush to eat the seeds we put out for them. Inside, our gifts are opened and we get ready for a fancy Christmas meal. All signs point to a day much like the day before, with the added zest of celebration. But our celebration is anchored in physical and emotional realities. Realities that continue one day into the next, and I just don't consistently get it that now ... God is in the midst of everything. My eyes don't see into the spirit world, and my ears don't hear the angels singing. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to men." There is no doubt in that world of the change. The Lord has come. Today, Lord, waiting just a little while longer for Jesus, aim my senses into that world inhabited by the angels. On this day before Christ comes, let me see and hear the splendor that they see. |
These are Luke's last words before his famous Christmas story begins, "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed." And for us this is the last day of the Advent season. Tomorrow the dawn breaks on a world occupied by God.