Merry Christmas!
During Advent many have lit candles that symbolize love, peace, joy, and hope. Those are common words we use daily, often without knowing their true meaning. Finally we light the Christ Candle. This candle reminds us Christ is the One who gives each of those common words their uncommon meaning. Jesus defines love, peace, joy, and hope. Jesus is love, peace, joy, and hope. More than that, it is Christ who gives us the ability to love, live in peace, dance with joy, and wait in hope. May they abide in us.
God Incarnate came as a babe. Jesus is present now and every day. But we also wait and hope and pray for Jesus’ second coming as ruler of the universe. So even as Christmas arrives, we continue to wait.
Light of the world:
Christmas music steeps the air.
Colored lights unending dance.
Bright dreams brim from night to day.
Parties and feasts, wishes and gifts
Cram our Advent calendars.
But our hearts yet yearn
For the love, peace, hope, and joy
This whirl of activity promises.
God of Christmas:
We’ve sung sacred songs,
Lit consecrated candles,
Read Scripture holy,
Joined hands in prayer,
Waited for the promised day.
Still our hearts yearn.
So many go without,
Love, peace, hope, and joy
Many have not heard,
How close you’ve come,
How strong is your love.
Lord Jesus:
The love, peace, hope, and joy
The Scriptures prophesied,
The lit candles promised,
The songs pledged,
The prayers pleaded for
Remain beyond our grasp.
Like snowflakes our love, peace, hope, and joy
Sparkle and shine but melt in the heat of our
Desperate, imperfect, and bent lives.
Christ:
You are the one who gives those truths substance.
You are love, peace, hope, and joy.
As we celebrate your birth, your Eternal Life among us,
Bring love, peace, hope, and joy alive
To dwell in us through the power of your Spirit.
Amen
For more Advent inspiration:
Life Without Hope is Deadly. How Do You Find and Hold onto Hidden Hope?
Advent Psalm: A Prayer to Glimpse and Capture God’s Joy,
Words Wield the Power to Create and Destroy our Lives,
Words of Advent: What Is Love? Love is a Name,
Advent Psalm: A Song of True Love,
Words of Advent: What Is Peace? Shalom Stands Strong in the Fire of Life.
amen ~ and surely wishing a very “Blessed Christmas” to all ! ,… (-:
Merry and happy Christmas, my friend. Our has been quiet and fun.