Christmas.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”  Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy.  When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes.  Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.  The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.”  Isaiah 52:7-10

“Alarm clocks and church bells and bugle calls and crowing roosters woke Your people this morning, Lord.  And some awoke to sirens and flashing red lights and the smell of smoke and some to persistent pounding on the door, not knowing who was on the other side.  And some were roused by screaming children and others by some sharp and frightening pain.  And there were people, Lord, who stayed awake all night, who twisted and turned and could not sleep at all; and others sat in waiting, struggling to stay awake, eyes open but they waited anxiously, torn wretchedly between their hope and their fearing yet the worst; worried mothers, frightened refugees, those awaiting surgery, or even execution.

And my night, Lord?  You were at my side and at the side of all.  You, caring Lord, You were with me and with my loved ones and with all Your people; You were there, and You have brought me to this day, Your gift to me, not just another day, but a day with You; and thus a day in which the worst hours of my yesterdays are all behind me and forgiven, because of You.

Open my eyes and ears and heart to all its goodnesses that I may say with courage and strong faith, “This is the day the Lord has made; I will be glad in it,” that once again when it is ended, I might bow my head and say that I have walked with God today; and it was good. Amen.”  Rev Karl E. Lutze (1920-2015)

Have a blessed Christmas.

Jay