A REASON TO SENSE, A REASON TO SHINE

CHRISTMAS DAY, December 25th
(All the Senses of the Season)

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. ~ Luke 2:8-20 (NRSV)

Happy Christmas! On this day, A Season to Sense, A Season to Shine becomes A Reason to Sense, A Reason to Shine! Jesus is born – and born anew in our hearts. May we continue to keep our senses in tune and attentive to the presence of Christ. May we continue to absorb his goodness and shine with the light of his love – through all of our days to come.

Welcome, dear Jesus. Welcome.

A Reason to Sense…

Infinite and present God, help us…
to watch over your sheep
to hear the voices of angels in the night
to savor the scent of humble love
to treasure and to tell the story
to hold Jesus forever in our hearts.

A Reason to Shine…

Infinite and present Christ Jesus,
help us to become…
guiding beacons of your hope
gentle rays of your peace
glistening sparks of your joy
glowing embers of your love.

Amen and amen.

Photo by Dan Kiefer on Unsplash
Bible verses found at https://www.biblegateway.com/