Christmas Eve 2009

I was excited this year when my Youth Minister asked me to be her liturgist for Christmas Eve. I figured because I was going off to college that it would be time to pass the torch on. I believe that this was my fourth time saying the Christmas Eve prayers for the 5:00 service. And I felt honored that I got to write and read the prayer...

"Dear Lord,

As we sit in this meetinghouse, as we bow our heads, as we fold our hands, we are remembering your Son, our savior, Jesus Christ. Who on this day was born, giving us a new beginning and a fresh start.

We are remembering baby Jesus tonight, like we ought to every night and everyday. However, help us to continue this remembrance all the way to next Christmas instead of just until tomorrow. Please help us to forget, for just a moment, all of the chaos that will be happening in the morning and to simply focus on your grace.

Be with us in the morning, oh Lord, as we open gifts, and as we watch others open the gifts we gave them. Shine a light on us that will remind us of the best gift ever given. The birth of your son Jesus.

The way we celebrate Christmas has changed over the years. We get into the Christmas sprit by shopping, decorating the tree, the house, the car, and well everything. We celebrate Christmas by trying to find that perfect gift. But deep down, Lord, we all know that that perfect gift has already been given. Your son gave Himself, to us.

As we drive home tonight, let us all keep in our prayers those who will not be spending this holiday season with their loved ones. To those overseas fighting for our country, to the lonely, to the sick, to the hungry, to the thirsty, to the poor. Those are the people who Jesus came for; those are the people he was born for.

As we leave here tonight give us the realization that consumerism is not Christmas and that Christ is Christmas.

Dear Lord, thank you for all and everything you have given to us, for your son Jesus Christ who taught us to pray…

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.

Amen."

On Christmas Eve my mother, grandmother and I all went to the 9:00 Service together. And at the 11:00 service my mother and I lit the advent candles together. My mother has always been involved in the church. For the past ten years she has been volunteering in the baby nursery. It seems a bit strange to me- but as soon as a left for school she has became even more and more involved. It is almost like she is making up for me not being there...? She is great.