come, thou long expected Jesus (4.6)
Luke 2:2-14
2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
artwork by Rebecca Watkins
We’ve made it! Merry Christmas! Sing of joy to your world, for the Lord has come!
Today, the final day, there are two things to do that remain:
First, I want to encourage you to read today’s reading aloud with your family, take turns reading, and hear the story of Jesus’ coming down to us, the extraordinary hidden in the ordinary, the message bestowed upon us like a tremendous gift.
Second, of course there is a carol! Because it is Christmas after all! The melody is my own, but you may recognize some of the lyrics!
As the gate closes behind us, blessings on you and your families today. Thank you for this walk through the wilderness, this gift of accompaniment on the journey. Treasure the moments today. You deserve it.
And now, how else to close our time together, but with a Christmas prayer and blessing (taken from the liturgical Blessing of a Christmas Manger):
God of every nation and people, from the very beginning of creation you have made manifest your love: when our need for a Savior was great you sent your Son to be born of the Virgin Mary.
To our lives he brings joy and peace, justice, mercy, and love. Lord, bless all who look upon your manger; may it remind us of your humble birth, and raise our thoughts to you, who are God-with-us and Savior of all, and who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.
come, thou long expected Jesus
featuring Abigail Stadtlander, with lyrics from Charles Wesley and myself
Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel's strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear desire of every nation, Joy
Joy of every longing heart.
Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit, Raise
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Come O Holy One, the earth cries
Bid the stars and angels tell
That our hope, our God, our Sunrise,
Light has come, Emmanuel
Overshadowed by your mercy
Tender grace and justice meet
By your dawn our hearts can now see, Guide
Guide our feet into your peace
for more of Rebecca’s art, visit her instagram @combinedobsession. Also, I was able to add another stunning piece of Mariah’s art to the meditation yesterday. Check it out!
