Advent Meditations: Thursday 24 December

Dec 24, 2020 by Jill

Thur
Dec 24

am: 45, 46
pm: 89:1-29

am Isa 35:1-10
pm: Isa 59:15b-21

am: Rev 22:12-17
pm: Phil 2:5-11

Luke 1:67-80

ON THE CALENDAR :Christmas Eve – Eve of the Feast of the Nativity

Christians celebrate Christmas Eve as an adaptation of the Jewish tradition of the holy days beginning at sundown of the previous day. Christmas is understood as beginning with sundown on the 24th of December and ending at sundown on the 25th. The term itself is spoken and written of around 1350 to 1400, but the concept has been around since 380 AD. By the 9th Century there is a widespread Christ-Mass celebrated on the Eve of the Nativity that became known as Christ-Mass Eve.

MEDITATION Today, as we are waiting for Christmas, as we know the day and the Lord are both close – the lessons, the antiphons remind us of this truth. The gospel is the story of the annunciation to his father, Zechariah, of the coming birth of John the Baptist by the Archangel, Gabriel. But Zechariah was full of fear and disbelief and was made mute for his lack of faith which will be contrasted with Mary’s “fiat”, her acceptance of God’s will. The promise of this last night of Advent is the promise of Immanuel – God is with us. The choice is ours as to how we will embrace the signs of Immanuel are all around us.? Advent calls us not to fear but to submit boldly in faith.

We have spent Advent preparing during a strange and difficult time personally and globally due to the pandemic. It has been a challenge for many to see the future hope that Christ’s presence means. The words of Luke these last few days should resonate as we hear of a God who shows mercy, and fulfills his promises and offers justice and peace to all .The God comes this Christmas reveals that He is indeed on our side, that He conquers the worst of things, even a pandemic but it occurs by following his way established through the teachings of a child, born of Mary who grew up to proclaim the Gospel with his lips and his life.

PRAYER: God of love and mercy, help me to follow the example of Mary,
who was so ready to do your will. At the message of an angel she welcomed your eternal Son and, filled with the light of your Spirit, she became the temple of your Word, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Spiritual Discipline/Activity – Tell the people journey with —your children, your spouse, your parents—that you love them. Try to give each one a sincere gift through a kind thought and compliment during the day. Remember now your voice and your arms express God’s love.

ANCIENT WORDS/PRESENT GRACE:

“The price of Divine Love is not to be appreciated; for it suffices to obtain the Kingdom of Heaven, and the love of Him who has loved us so many merits the highest degree of our love. — St. Francis of Assisi.

See also: Advent Devotion 19 – Pride, from GAFCON