Saturday 25 December - The Lord is Near

The Lord is Near

Readings - Isaiah 9:1-6 Psalm 96, Titus 2:11-14 and Luke 2:1-4

“For today a Saviour has been born for you who is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11

Reflection
Each year through Advent we have the custom in our chapel of putting up a manger with straw but no infant. We place the infant there on Christmas day (though last year we forgot until the last hymn!) I don’t know if many notice the symbolism. Straw is basically useless, it is leftover stuff.
The crib is empty, vacant until God steps in.
Gazing at the nativity scene, a mixture of emotions can overwhelm—sadness at the barrenness of the manger or joy because God is not absent.

Does it feel like God is absent in today’s world? Are we excluding God from decisions in our lives and in public life? Where are the reminders of God in our society today? Where is God working?

We can become sad gazing at the scene yet we are reminded that God is indeed with us. He says “I am here, with you, don’t be afraid” The final word is not the empty manger, the last word is Jesus in the manger, risen Jesus in communion and the living Lord in our lives.

May we live this day to God’s praise and glory

Jesus is here. Emmanuel—God is with us

Prayer
Holy and Righteous God.
I thank you that your word is no longer solely a commandment but a gift of love, incarnate in Christ.
I thank you for the gift of knowing you for I now we know the living word.
Transform my life with wonder, expectation and joy.
Amen

Additional Prayer Ideas
We pray for those we know who, this day, feels as though God is absent.

For those unable to celebrate the Saviour’s birth.

We pray for the homeless and vulnerable who struggle to find shelter. For those seeking asylum and safety to be met by “no vacancy“ signs.