Christmas Eve!

Growing up I remember always going to Christmas Eve service. It was one of our traditions. At Christmas Eve service the final candle was lit in the wreath. The final candle is the Christ candle. This candle was lit in celebration that Christ has come. The final candle was the white candle in the middle.

So here we are on Christmas Eve in circumstances very different than most years. For some church services are being streamed, for some they are outside...at a minimum they look very different than Christmas Eve services of the past. Things are not what we hoped or expected. I think though in the midst of this, it gives us an opportunity to refocus on the things that matter most. I know for me, I have taken the opportunity to focus on the reason for the celebration.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:6-14

Today I pray that you are able to remember the true reason for celebration.