The Living Gift
As we celebrated the coming of the Christ Child just a while ago, we rejoiced in the angel songs we heard the children sing. We listened again to the stories of the shepherds’ watch, the wonder of the night star, the birth of the Child, and the gifts that the wise men offered. Quietly, we lit our candles and silently paused to remember how the world and our lives were changed by that night. Then we were sent forth with joy into the darkness to share the love we received and to be bearers of the light in our world during the days before us.
Now with the Lenten season upon us, we now find ourselves somberly thinking of the life, journey, and temptations that Christ the Man and Son of God faced, the questions and tests put to Him by the established powers of His time, and how His ministry – full of light and hope – blessed the lives of the helpless. We will quietly ponder all that He, with such compassion and courage, accomplished, and our hearts will again ache at the foot of Good Friday’s cross.
In waiting for Easter, the anticipation and excitement we encountered at the coming of Christmas has subsided. Instead, these are days full of thoughtful reflection. Then on Easter Sunday, we awaken with thanksgiving, joyfully offering praise for life – for life eternal. How amazing and wonderful that the gift and promise of Christmas Eve has been fulfilled with Easter morning and lives on – with us and for all of God’s children.
DEO GRACIAS!
Prayer: “Christ, we do all adore Thee and we do praise Thee forever, for on the cross that hast redeemed us. Christ, we do all adore Thee.” Amen. (from Theodore DuBois’ The Seven Last Words of Christ)
Swid Kirchhofer
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