Christmas Eve, 2014
Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
Psalm 85:10
To Love This Tenderly
I am no mighty girl, no miracle worker, no dog whisperer.
I am no angel halo, no butterfly wing, no blaze of glory.
I am no politician, no power broker, no ambassador of good will.
I am no Rock of Gibraltar, no port in any storm.
I am no diva, no prima donna, no leading lady.
I am no talisman, no rabbit’s foot, no royal flush.
I am no snake charmer, no soothsayer, no fortune teller.
But here is a rough hewn wooden trough in an oxen stall.
Here is a fistful of fragrant straw to cradle your sleepy head.
Here is a seamless blanket of spun wool to swaddle you.
Here is a breast bursting with sweet milk to share with you.
Here is a lullaby hummed softly in your ear to soothe you.
Here is a memory, a longing, a dream, a promise
that I have pondered deeply in my heart.
Here is a kiss brimming with eternity.
To love this tenderly
is enough.
Prayer Practice: Slowly sing the child’s Christmas prayer, “Away in a Manger”
1. Away in a manger, no crib for His bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep in the hay.
2. The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakes. But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky. And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
3. Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay, Close by me forever, and love me, I pray!
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
We join a weary world in celebrating the good news of the Love that came down at Christmas, the Baby of Bethlehem, Jesus Christ, the Messiah and our Lord and Savior. This astounding news of God’s coming to us in human form invites our praise, and we will gather as a worshiping community:
Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24
6:00 p.m.
Family-friendly Lessons and Carols
(All young people are asked to bring a stuffed animal to place around the manger during the telling of the Christmas Story.)
Communion
Sharing the Light of the Christ Candle
11:00 p.m.
God’s Loves to Sing Carols
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Communion
Sharing the Light of the Christ Candle