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Scripture
Luke 2:15-20 When the angels went away from them back into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and saw the baby lying in the manger. When the shepherds saw him, they told them what the angel had said about the child. All who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said. Mary remembered all these things and thought deeply about them. The shepherds went back, singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen; it had been just as the angel had told them. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Reflection Stable of Bethlehem Space of tenderness, home of hospitality; To an anxious couple in search of shelter To a new-born child fragile and vulnerable To poor shepherds on the margins of town and society To searching Magi, believing in the promise of the star. As we rejoice in God-with-us May we become Bethlehem spaces Open to receive and embrace the fragile, the vulnerable, the displaced; in ourselves in one another in our world. Christmas Stillness of God, whisper of love Breath of God, quiet mystery Light of God, holy wisdom Shadow of God, birth of mercy May God be with us in tenderness and love this Christmas. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Prayer Heavenly Father, help us rightly to remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds and the worship of the Wise Men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessings that Christ brings. May Christmas morning make us jubilant to be your children and Christmas evening find us filled with grateful thoughts, forgiven and forgiving, bringing love, peace and joy to all we meet. Amen. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Music Silent Night performed by The Priests in the Church of Holy Rosary featuring the nativity scene from the Stained Glass window. |
