Tomorrow night we will gather with thousands of people to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. We’ll meet in sanctuaries and auditoriums, sacred and secular places, to join together in sharing again the story of the Christ child. The story doesn’t change. We do. We find ourselves in different places than we did a year ago. Physically, mentally, emotionally. We don’t pass through a year without change.
Change surrounds us. One year later, we come to this place different people. Some of us have said goodbye to those we love. Others have welcomed new babies into the family. Still others find health in a new place. Or, perhaps for you, it is employment that seems different this year. Our world certainly is. And even though I am not certain 2007 or 2006 were the best years, I am hopeful we’ll find ourselves on the other side of this economic crisis (so when will we call it a recession, or even a depression anyway?) I pray we’ll find ourselves in a new place, less encumbered by the stuff of this world. We come to the manger with new eyes, new ears
Perhaps tonight, we come, seeking the light again. Seeking the light anew. Seeking the light that shines in the midst of the darkness.
It was just one light that changed the world.
And when the light is shared, it multiplies, illuminating more and more places around us.
Shine your light, holy child. shine your light.
so we may carry your light into a dark and weary world.
Shine your light, Lord.
December 23, 2008
the city