Christmas Eve Reflection. Dec. 24, 2023. Faith Episcopal Church, Poulsbo, WA.
Rev Beth Orling
Isaiah 9:2-7. Luke 2:1-20
You have been witnesses this evening – witnesses to the light. The baby Jesus – light of the world — grew up to teach us forgiveness, generosity, kindness, and victory over oppression and over death.
The candles you have placed and enjoyed, the candles you will light when we sing Silent Night again – these candles witness to the light that our dark and troubled world so desperately needs.
Tonight we have welcomed the Universal Christ, the Christ that is forever being born in our human souls and into our real, authentic world.
Christmas-tide lasts 12 days. It might be a challenge to celebrate each one. But perhaps you can find a way. Perhaps a special cookie treat one day, perhaps a special walk in the woods one day, lighting candles each of the 12 days, a surprise you give someone in your neighborhood or in your home, perhaps a time of silent meditation one day, perhaps a letter you write to an old friend, perhaps a visit to someone who is sick, along with constant prayer for peace in the world and in the lives of troubled relatives or friends.
Every day – in the 12 days of Christmas – and in your year to come: light a candle – with flames of fire or quietly in your heart — for someone. You will reflect Jesus’ light, his words of hope, when you see the newborn babe in those you encounter. As we celebrate the mystery of God among us, we come to see the light in our dark world, every day in Jesus’ blessed Name.
God grant you and your children and grandchildren this eternal blessing, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.