Week 4 - Christmas Eve Night

Tonight We Light the Christ Candle

December 25

In those days, a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered.  This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.  All went to their own towns to be registered.  Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was decended from the house and family of David.  He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.  And she gave birth to her first born son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7

Something to talk about:
What do you notice about this part of the story?  I wonder what part stands out to you?

When I read this part of the story, I am impressed.  I am impressed with its simplicity.  People were simply going about their business, tending to their taxes, traveling. 

In the midst of this every day life, there comes a man, and a woman, and a baby to be born.  At this point, no one in Bethlehem knew that this was a special baby, so they didn't make a special place for him. He was born in a barn and laid in a manger, while the bustle of the city was still going on.

There are many things that distract us from noticing the baby that is born this night.  There are many things to distract us from the daily ways that God enters our life.

How will you find time this day, and in the days to come to make a special place for this baby to be born?

Something to do:
Gather your family around your Advent wreath or around your nativity scene.  Quietly light the Christ Candle or place the baby Jesus in the manger.  Each person take turns sharing why you are glad that Jesus was born.

Dear God,
We thank you that you sent your extraordinary son into the midst of our ordinary lives.  Come again, Lord Jesus, to all the places where people are busy, lonely, anxious, tired, homeless, sick, afraid and to the places that are happy, hopeful, peaceful.  Come Lord Jesus, be born in us today.  Amen.