Devotion
We as families and individuals expend a lot of effort preparing for our Christmas celebration, e.g. decorating, shopping, travel plans, and meal planning. As a church, we provide gifts to children who might otherwise not receive a gift on Christmas Day. This hymn also calls for preparation for Christ’s coming. It asks Zion (a synonym for Jerusalem, as well as for the Land of Israel as a whole) to make Christ’s coming easy (“level way”) and his welcome big (“fling wide your gates” with “your praise resounding” and “your Savior’s rule embrace”). Why? Because Christ comes in “God’s most holy name” and brings “peace and freedom,” “justice,” “love,” “grace and joy” and salvation to all lands.
Our move to Cary and an ongoing Boy Scouts fundraiser introduced us to luminaria. They are most commonly used in New Mexico. The hope is that the lights will guide the spirit of the Christ child to one's home. Now, one of our favorite parts of Christmas Eve is lining our driveway with luminaria, then seeing the luminaria along the streets to and from the Christmas Eve service, and lining our church’s driveway. Our luminaria are our small way of welcoming the light of the world. What is your favorite way to welcome Christ and celebrate Christ’s coming?
Our move to Cary and an ongoing Boy Scouts fundraiser introduced us to luminaria. They are most commonly used in New Mexico. The hope is that the lights will guide the spirit of the Christ child to one's home. Now, one of our favorite parts of Christmas Eve is lining our driveway with luminaria, then seeing the luminaria along the streets to and from the Christmas Eve service, and lining our church’s driveway. Our luminaria are our small way of welcoming the light of the world. What is your favorite way to welcome Christ and celebrate Christ’s coming?
John Page
