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“In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see– I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!'”
(Luke 2:8-14 NRS).
Lord,
We your people of Advent,
Those who await your Second Coming recall your first.
You came to us in the form of innocence,
And that form you would keep;
For you would commit no sin.
You grew in wisdom and grace into the adult that spoke divine truth in love.
As we remember your humble beginning,
May we reflect upon our own:
People called out from sin and death, unworthy and unrepentant.
But then your grace touched our beings, and our eyes were opened.
We repented, and claimed your salvation for ourselves.
Who we are and the good we have done in your name,
All goes back to the babe in Bethlehem.
Born in the night and birthed in lowly circumstances,
You give all people hope that we can rise above our means,
And truly become disciples of the Risen Christ.
May you continue to bring hope at the recollection of your birth.
Let us renew our faithfulness to you and our new birth by water and the Spirit.
Until all people gather to honor and worship you at your triumphant return,
We make room in our hearts,
And raise you to glory with our lives.
Amen.
She Offered Them Christ 