Good News of Great Joy
…there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.’” Luke 2:8-14 NASB
Like the (probably tired) shepherds, weary from the days and weeks, we might find ourselves today looking out over our livelihood, relationships, and emotions with heavy eyes. “How did all this weight get here? What am I waiting for? How long is it going to be like this?”
That’s a lot of noise, especially during a time of year that can feel so quiet—early sunsets, muted colors, closed windows—which can lend itself to amplifying the feelings we’re carrying.
Here’s the thing about winter and the night: the nature of darkness beckons light to be set loose within it—and a dormant field feels almost as if the earth itself is intently leaning in, holding its breath in anticipation of life’s emergence.
Everything was created through him; nothing—not one thing!—came into being without him. What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out. John 1:3-5 MSG
This Christmas Eve, as we pray together in community, we tune our expectations to the anticipation of Jesus’s arrival today in our hearts and communities—just as He did for shepherds in Bethlehem—by choosing to trust His ability to hold and heal our circumstances, emotions, and weariness.
We prepare our hearts to enter into Your presence, Lord.
Breathing Prayer
When we are afraid, we will seek You, Jesus. Lord, have mercy.
When we can’t see a path forward, we will trust You and wait. Christ, have mercy.
When we are tired, Lord, we will find our rest in You. Lord, have mercy.
We place the fullness of our lives in Your perfect and loving hands. Christ, have mercy.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
(Mary’s Canticle—Luke 1:46-49)
My soul magnifies the Lord.
The greatness of Your name, God, resounds throughout my whole being.
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
You have rescued me, Lord, and I belong to You now and forever.
For He has looked on the humble estate of His servant.
Father, You see me through and through. Your unbridled love for me is overwhelming.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.
The people I belong to will see a life of thanksgiving poured out before You. You are worthy of my praise and thanksgiving.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name.
I can’t count the ways You have shown Your goodness to me, Jesus. There is no other name like Yours in all the earth.
Closing Prayer
King Jesus, You are Emmanuel—the One who takes up residence in the lowly places within me. Thank You.
Here I am, Lord. Send me to do the same for those near me who need You. May my life be used to connect them to Your humility, gentleness, kindness, and love so that they might come to know You and call You Lord.
I ask these things in Your Name. Amen.