A Homecoming of Sorts

During the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, the church consistently hears wonderful readings from the prophet Isaiah. Tonight I am reminded of words from chapter 60, which begins, “Arise, shine, for your light has come!” The chapter goes on with the prophet Isaiah envisioning the gathering of the nations to behold God’s glory. “Your sons” and “your daughters” will come, recognized, protected, and carried by the love of family and of the faith community. This reading comes alive for me on Christmas Eve, because one of my greatest joys on this evening is to see the families who come to worship together: Parents with children whom I remember from confirmation, adults over whose weddings I presided, many, now coming home with children of their own. They have grown up. They may live far from their parents, but when they come back to visit, their parents’ homes shine with the light and joy of their presence. When I hear about what they’re doing these days, I hear of their Christian vocations and of the many ways they’re engaged in work that will make this world a better place. Tonight I see them holding their Christmas Eve candles, with the light reflected in their beautiful faces. And they are living the blessing that the God gave them through the church when they were baptized, “Let your light shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Tonight, they and all of us have come to worship the newborn Christ child…

Prayer:
Almighty God, you made this holy night shine with the brightness of the true Light. Grant that here on earth we may walk in the light of Jesus’ presence and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (ELW, p. 20)