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In the modified words of Kermit the Frog, “only three more sleeps til Christmas.” In the words of lyricist Sammy Cahn, “the weather outside is frightful.” Put those together and it becomes an interesting exercise in planning for the wonder of Christmas Eve. Since the first Sunday in Advent, everything in our worship experience has been pointing us toward the event that changed the world. We have lit the Advent candles of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace and are now waiting to light the Christ Candle on Saturday evening. Waiting. To see who will be watching online and in person as the unrehearsed children’s Christmas Pageant takes place and our squeaky donkey Scuffy makes another trip down the center aisle. Waiting to hear the familiar music and the Gospel story that remind us of the miracle of Bethlehem.
In the waiting is an opportunity to pray. Pray for the many who are traveling this week. Pray for those who are spending their first Christmas alone. Pray for the people who are cold and the freezing temperatures are life threatening. Pray with gratitude for the thousands upon thousands of people who will be generously reaching out in word and deed to serve. For those willing to step into worship, online or in person, and entertain the possibility that there is more to Christmas than the lights and the trees, the stress and the work, the shopping and the cooking. In the waiting, let the words of the angels soothe your soul and encourage your heart:
Luke 2:11 - Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
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