Fourth Thursday of Advent
2 SM 7: 1-5, 8B -12, 14A, 16
PS 89: 2-3, 4-5, 27 AND 29
LK 1: 67-79
Christmas Eve!! Even the words conjure up childhood memories of that last day of waiting before the big celebration—the smells, the sounds and the sights of Christmas. Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM says that Christmas Eve is actually more Christmas than Christmas Day because it contains all the energy of Advent waiting in addition to the Christmas joy. Just as the anticipation of an event such as a vacation is a major part of the enjoyment of that event, so it is with our Advent preparations for Christmas. We are almost there!
Typically I spend this day immersed in many last minute details—cooking, setting the table and even some a last ditch effort at wrapping gifts. Hopefully today I will take at least a few minutes in which I can quietly contemplate the gift of God’s love that the world received over 2000 years ago. A gift that caused the previously mute Zechariah to loudly proclaim:
In the tender compassion of our God
The dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death
And to guide our feet into the way of peace!
Christians are definitely Easter people but we are also an Advent people. We watch and wait for the second coming of our God. But today let us begin celebrating anew that first coming so long again. The people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light! We wait in joyful hope as we pray that we have a part in making the light grow and in banishing the darkness.
Geralyn Meyer, PhD, RN teaches in the School of Nursing.
Every day during Advent, students, faculty, and staff from across the SLU community will share reflections on the intersection of the Scriptures of the day, the liturgical season of Advent, and their own lives.
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