Day 21 reading: Luke 2:1-7
(Photo by Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash)
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” -Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)
Jesus, we thank you that you came to us in such a humble way. You entered into the reality of the world, in the midst of real-life with real challenges and sorrows, and while many enjoyed the rest and comfort of better lodging, you were born in a meagre stable.
It is hard for us to grasp that you came into the messiness of life and that you still come to us, in the midst of our life’s disorder. We often work so hard to hide the chaotic reality of our lives and seek to avoid the mess in the lives of those around us. Please forgive us Lord.
Thank you that we do not need to pretend that we have it all together.
We also bring to you the turmoil of the world in which we live. There is pain and brokenness in our communities, our cities and nations and it overwhelms us… and yet we remember that you came into the messiness and darkness of this world, to cause the light of heaven to shine upon the earth.
“O God, you have caused the holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit He lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen”*
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*quoted from Phyllis Tickle, The Divine Hours, p. 436