Christmas Eve

“And the angel said to them:Fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, that shall be to all the people: For this day, is born to you a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord, in the city of David. – Luke 2: 10-11

“The One Awaited”

How strange this night; like no other.                                                                                        With silence and stillness beyond compare.                                                                                  So dense the air of forlornness.                                                                                                    Trials of days gone by and trials yet to come,                                                                            pale in contrast to those that lie within.                                                                                         So heavy the burden of life.

All attention is now given to an unoccupied crib, humble in nature;                                     its purpose yet to unfold.                                                                                                            And within its emptiness, so go our hearts.                                                            A weary faithful world awaits.

In an instant of time long measured,                                                                                               the veil of obscurity is lifted;                                                                                                   revealing the eagerly anticipated visage.                                                                                          For now, in the crib resides all beauty, all purity, all innocence;                                empowered by divine love.

The radiance of this infant presence instills light                                                                         in the darkest of human hearts.                                                                                                      And in so doing removes the sting from suffering, despair and death.                                  Order is restored, trust renewed and truth has its place.

So, then, to whom may joyous voices freely sing their praise;                                                   and homage be paid?                                                                                                                       Who is this advocate of salvation, peace and good will?                                                               It is He, God’s gift of love; in whom all hope is well placed.

“Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; Because my eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples: A light to the revelations of  the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. – The words of Simeon in Luke 2: 29-32

 

A Blessed and very Merry Christmas to all.