For as long as I can remember, Christmas morning has been a time when the past and future converge in the present moment through stories. Stories of past Christmases are shared – the great gifts that were received, and the not-so-great gifts that led to funny stories. Stories about loved ones now in the Church Triumphant are recounted. And from time to time, the Christmas story is woven into the tapestry of the stories shared as we open presents, play games, eat together, and sit in each other’s presence. This familial retune, practiced and enacted each year, reminds me how much of who I am is shaped by these stories – my own, my family’s, and my faith’s.
And on this Christmas morning, when we celebrate God breaking into human existence in Jesus, the Christ Child, Emmanuel, God with us, or the Light that shines in the darkness and that darkness will never overcome it, we see how God’s story of redemption is being woven into the fabric of creation. We, like John the Baptizer, are invited to testify to this light through our lived stories of grace – lives that have been shaped by God’s redemptive story. As you enjoy your Christmas Day, remembering the stories that have shaped you, may you be aware of the Divine story still shaping your life this Christmas.
Holy God, bless this Christmas Day. Bless it with laughter, joy, comfort, and love. Bless this day with reminders of the Light that shines in the darkness. And challenge us to be like John the Baptizer, who continually points back to this light, in all that we do. Amen.
Rev. Matt Frease
Campus Minister,
UKirk Tallahassee
Editor’s Note: Merry Christmas! We hope that you feel God’s presence with you today, no matter how or with whom you’re spending it. Here’s a friendly reminder that this devotional runs all the way through Epiphany (when we honor the magi’s visit to young Jesus), so stick with us through the twelve days of Christmas for more reflections from UKirk campus ministers, students, and neighbors.
Words for Waiting 