O Holy Night

2002 Advent Devotion Collection

December 26
READING: Genesis 1

God made the two great lights-the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night-and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth,
to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light
from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1.16-18

Many years ago when I was a much younger woman, I kept the night vigil at the bedside of a terminally ill dear family member. The hospital sounds were all muffled, lights were dimmed, voices hushed, and an occasional sound of quiet footsteps in the corridor. An eerie and rather frightening time. During those long, quiet hours outside noises in the distance could be heard: a train whistle, a wailing siren, rustling leaves blowing in the wind. And then my dear one, rousing from her drugged slumber saying, "Is it daylight yet?" I walked to the window and quietly said, "Not yet-but I see a young couple walking with their arms entwined, and they are looking at the stars in each other's eyes. I imagine they wish the night would go on forever." My dear one smiled and quietly slipped away.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, even though the darkness of night falls around us, we thank you for the joy in the morning! "And the darkness shall turn into dawning, and the dawning to noon-day bright." Amen. -- Ruth E.

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Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
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