We will hear Scripture in a variety of ways. Overall we will hear these readings:
- Isaiah 9:2-7
- Luke 2:1-20
- John 1:1-5
- Genesis 1:1-4
And of course we will be singing Christmas Carols:
- O Come All Ye Faithful
- It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
- Away in a Manger
- O Little Town of Bethlehem
- Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
- Good Christian Friends Rejoice
- Joy to the World
- Silent Night
Our theme for Christmas Eve is Christmas is Light in the Darkness.
Teasers: What are our darknesses this year? What does it mean for light to come into that darkness?
Christmas falls at the time of year when the nights are longest and the days are shortest. Darkness is a reality for us in the Northern hemisphere at Christmas. And so we string lights along our houses and trees. We light candles to brighten our homes and churches. We celebrate light and warmth in a dark cold season.
But of course darkness has a metaphorical meaning as well. As a metaphor darkness refers to all those things that rob us of abundant lives. Metaphorical darkness talks to our fears and our anxieties. Coloured lights and flickering candles aren't enough to deal with these. What cure does Christmas have for metaphorical darkness?
ISaiah writes: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. John writes: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. Our story takes light and darkness seriously. Our story reminds us that the light of Chirstmas is expressly for those who walk in the dark.
On Monday evening we will here some stories. We will hear the story of a magical candle and a boy waiting anxiously for his parents to get home in time for Christmas. We will hear from a person sitting through a blackout sharing his fears of the dark and his hopes for light. And in the stories may we hear the promise and hope of the Christmas Light. Hope to see you there.
--Gord
No comments:
Post a Comment