December 22, 2023

The constant in the midst of the mayhem

Over the centuries and through the years, the celebration of Christmas, inside and outside of Christian churches, has changed—and continues to change. Over the centuries and through the years, Christmas has been celebrated in seasons of war and peace, feast and famine, plague and health, hope and hopelessness. But through it all the message of God’s love and salvation remains the same.

My Christmas prayer for you all this year originates from the 6th century, 1500 years ago. It was prayed just before sunset. It was the last prayer of Christmas which was understood to end at sunset. May its message remain fresh and refreshing and be a light in whatever dark times may lie ahead.

O Savior of our fallen race,
O brightness of the Father's face,
O Son who shared the Father's might
before the world knew day or night.

O Jesus, very Light of Light,
our constant star in sin's deep night:
Now hear the prayers your people pray
throughout the world this holy day.

Remember, Lord of life and grace,
how once, to save our fallen race,
you put our human vesture on
and came to us as Mary's son.

Today, as year by year its light
bathes all the world in radiance bright,
one precious truth out shines the sun:
Salvation comes from you alone.

For from the Father's throne you came,
his banished children to reclaim;
and earth and sea and sky revere
the love of him who sent you here.

O Christ, redeemer virgin-born,
let songs of praise your Name adorn,
whom with the Father we adore
and Holy Spirit ever-more. AMEN.

May a joyous Christmas be yours, my friends. And may we all have confidence in our God in the new year, whatever that new year may bring.

~ Pastor Todd