O Holy Night
2002 Advent Devotion Collection
December 15
READING: Luke 2:8-11 and Romans 8.37-39
Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of
great joy for all the people. Luke 2.10. . .nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Romans 8:39
The night is holy, I am scared by
what I imagine but cannot see.
The night is holy, I am afraid because
of my pain, my diagnosis, my prognosis.
The night is holy, I am sleepless
because of a disagreement with a
friend, related to sacredly held beliefs.
The night is holy, one I love dearly
is not recovering.
The night is holy, I am consumed with
the loneliness of broken
vows and a future that I cannot envision.
The night is holy, there is no place
for me in the re-organization and downsizing.
All of these hurts, and many more,
cause us to roll and toss throughout a sleepless night. I wander through
the house and then in sobs of prayer I am met by an almighty God who knows
my name, loves me unconditionally and will never leave me.
We know this because of Jesus who came one Holy Night bringing this revelation of God. The scriptures tell It; Jesus lived It; the Church proclaims It; Christians become It. We are held by a never failing love that makes every night holy when we are aware of and responsive to God's abiding presence.
PRAYER: Praise be to you, O God, our Savior. May your Good News born on that Holy Night long ago make every night holy. With your abiding presence lead us into paths of service for your people whose lives we touch. May You, O God, be known and followed and praised forever. Amen. -- Lois W.
Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
(217) 428-4336