Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Scripture Text: Isaiah 9:2,6-7; Jeremiah 33:14-18; Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:1-20

Quotes for Reflection

C.S. Lewis, The Last Battle
In our world too, a stable once had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world.

John Chrysostom, Nativity Sermon, 386 A.D.
The birth of this little boy is the beginning of a confrontation between the kingdom of God – in all its apparent weakness, insignificance and vulnerability – and the kingdoms of the world. Augustus never heard of Jesus of Nazareth. But within a century or so his successors in Rome had not only heard of him; they were taking steps to obliterate his followers. Within just over three centuries the Emperor himself became a Christian. When you see the manger on a card, or in church, don’t stop at the crib. See what it’s pointing to. It is pointing to the explosive truth that the baby lying there is already being spoken of as the true king of the world.

Thomas Merton, “The Hope Faith Gives Us,” A Year with Thomas Merton
It seems that we all have to face one sad thing after another. But let us not forget the hope our faith gives us. God is our strength and no amount of trouble should make us fail to realize it. On the contrary, trouble should help us deepen and confirm our trust. This is an old story, but as far as I am concerned, it is the one we always get back to. There is no other.