Every year there is a time on Christmas Eve when I go into one or the other of our churches in the afternoon, and everything is ready for what is to come. For a moment the church is empty and quiet just before being filled with people gathering to celebrate this wonderful night. The church itself seems to be waiting, expectant.

 

There are so many expectations that are a part of our celebration of Christmas. There are the expectations of the church, with its many preparations for services, music and decorating. There are the cultural expectations of parties, gift giving and cooking that shape the Christmas season. And then there are our own personal expectations; of seeing family and friends and the hope that this will be the best Christmas ever.

 

These expectations cannot all be fulfilled. Inevitably what has been planned, choreographed and completed never quite matches what for which we have hoped. What may be helpful is to honor the moment of quiet and anticipation that comes before we plunge into the Christmas celebrations - to create that place like a quiet church, on an early winter afternoon, which seems to be holding its breath as it listens.

 

And what we are invited to hear in the midst of so much activity is the cry of a newborn infant telling us that our Savior has come. This is what we have prepared for. It is the reminder that we are loved and held in the arms of a loving God, just as Mary holds her infant Son.

 

May each of you have a moment this Christmas to hold in your heart the knowledge of God's love. May you have a moment of peace to remember the gift of Jesus in our lives. And just before the guests arrive, the service begins, the food is served, offer a prayer of thanks for this wonderful moment of God's grace and love.

 

I look forward to seeing many of you as Christmas unfolds and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.