Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Today’s text

Luke 2:1-7

An angel of the Lord stood over them and the glory of the Lord shone round them. They were terrified, but the angel said, 'Do not be afraid. Look, I bring you news of great joy, a joy to be shared by the whole people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. And here is a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.' And all at once with the angel there was a great throng of the hosts of heaven, praising God with the words: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace for those he favors.

Reflection

Come, Lord Jesus. Banish all fear and give us heavenly joy.

These messengers of light reveled in the joy of their task. They tumbled over themselves announcing to a few shepherds, working the night shift, that there is nothing to fear. Nothing. Not then, Not now. Not ever. Not for us.

To you, is born, this day, a savior.

And this is very good news. For we are in pretty bad need of being saved, saved from all that crushes from us the breath of joy.

Joy is your intention, Holy One, nothing less: Dancing, singing, laughing, playing, falling over ourselves joy, the joy awakened by the awareness that all is not lost. All is never lost. For you are never far, and you never forsake all you have made, and made just for the fun of it--made that the joy of your divine heart might be shared.

Joy is your will: joy for all that is; joy for all creation; joy rising from the lips of all that breathes. You make us in joy and for the joy of the love that flows in a ceaseless stream from your eternal heart.

But the weight of our worries, our lacerating losses and the depth of our doubt crush the angels’ simple words: Peace for those you favor.

And you favor us, always have, always will. We dwell in the circle of your favor.

So come Lord Jesus. Favor our hearts with your presence abiding. Amid days too full and struggles unwanted, open our eyes to hear and our hearts to believe the angels’ joyful song of peace.

For you come to us this day, and every day, a savior. Come Lord Jesus. Save us.

Pr. David L. Miller