Light
Readings - Malachi 3: 1-4, Psalm 150 and Luke 1: 57-66
“I will send my messenger” Malachi 3:1
Reflection
And is it true,
This most tremendous tale of all,
Seen in a stained-glass window's hue,
A Baby in an ox's stall ?
The Maker of the stars and sea
Become a Child on earth for me ?
Sir John Betjeman
There are only a few windows left on the advent calendar to open, a few notches of the advent candle to burn down. Nearly there! The birth of any baby is a wonderful, amazing thing. It is one of those things that takes our breath away. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of a most special baby, may the light of understanding and wonder lead us to a place of praise and worship.
It is only natural that parents and families have dreams and hopes for their newborn. Some sadly project their own lives on to them and others painfully abandon any hope based on their own life experience. But we should not overlook what the child already is: a child of God, one who is graced with a profound dignity and an eternal destiny. Not because of anything the child or its parents have done, but by the grace of the child of Bethlehem.
Prayer
All powerful God,
You made known the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, by the light of a star.
May you continue to guide me with light and purpose.
Enlighten me with your radiance and strengthen me with your care.
Amen
Additional Prayer Ideas
We pray for all who long to celebrate with family and friends yet cannot.
For those:
serving in aid organisations or the military.
in prison
in hospital
who grieve and mourn
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