The Eve of Wonder: Advent day Twenty Four 24/12/24
These past 24 days have guided us through a journey of preparation, anticipation, and spiritual awakening. We've meditated on hope, peace, joy, and love. Now, as the final candle flickers on our Advent wreath, we prepare our hearts to welcome the Christ Child anew.
As we look towards 2025, we're called to carry forward the graces of this season - to let the light of Christ continue illuminating our path long after the Christmas decorations are stored away.
A Personal Journey into Mystery
As I sit here on Christmas Eve, I'm drawn to reflect on the profound yet simple truth from John's Gospel: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." These words touch my own heart in a deeply personal way - God chose to enter our world not as a distant figure, but as one of us.
When I think about this divine gift, three beautiful truths emerge:
1. God Meets Us Where We Are Just as Jesus came to a humble manger, He meets us in our everyday moments. His presence isn't limited to grand cathedrals or holy places; He's here with us now.
2. Love Takes Action The Christmas story shows us that God's love isn't just a feeling - it moves, it acts, it transforms. When God promised to save us, He didn't just send a message; He sent Himself. This prompts me to ask: How am I making my love visible and active in the world today?
3. Wonder in the Ordinary I'm moved by St Augustine's reflection: "The Infinite became an infant" that the hands that formed the universe were once tiny infant fingers. It reminds me to look for God's presence in ordinary moments - in a kind word from a stranger, in the warmth of family gatherings, in the quiet of a winter evening.
As we stand on the threshold of Christmas, these aren't just theological concepts - they're invitations to experience God's love in new ways. Tonight, as we prepare our hearts for Christmas morning, we're invited to recognise that the same God who entered human history continues to enter our personal stories, bringing light to our darkness and hope to our uncertainty.
Making It Real: Practical Steps
- Create a sacred space this evening for quiet reflection
- Read the Nativity story from Luke's Gospel
- Light a special candle to symbolise Christ's coming
- Share memories of how God has been present in your Advent journey
Today's Reflection
Consider these three points:
- How has your heart been transformed during this Advent season?
- What gifts of yourself will you offer to the Christ Child?
- Where do you see God's presence in the ordinary moments of your life?
Finding Your Own Path
Remember that your relationship with Christ is uniquely yours. Just as the shepherds and wise men each brought their own gifts and responded in their own way, your response to Christ's coming will be personal and meaningful in its own right.
Prayer
Loving Father, As we await the celebration of Your Son's birth, Open our hearts to receive Him anew. Let the wonder of the Incarnation fill us with joy, And help us to carry the light of Christmas Throughout the coming year. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Your Personal Invitation
Tonight, before you rest, spend just five minutes in silent gratitude, imagining yourself present at the manger scene. What would you say to the newborn King? What gift of yourself will you offer? Let this moment shape your celebration of Christmas and guide your path into the new year.
Merry Christmas and God bless,
Mel
