Most of us start the Advent season with a sense of excitement and anticipation, but by the time Christmas Eve rolls around those feelings of joy tend to dissipate. We’ve heard all the Christmas carols and songs over and over. (I must admit, more than once I’ve thought to myself if I hear one more “Ba-rump-a-bum-bum” I will do something very “un-Christmasy”). We have been bombarded with Christmas Specials on T.V. as well as commercials, store sales and generally been led to believe that however much we’ve spent on gifts, it’s not quite enough. Oh, and let’s not forget the parties, get-togethers, let’s-do-lunches, decorating the house, making the Christmas lists, baking, shopping, and the partridge in the pear tree!
It’s no wonder that sometimes our last thought as we go to sleep Christmas Eve is that “whew, tomorrow, it’s all over for another year”. We need to be reminded this is only the beginning. This Christmas Eve don’t let the secular part of the holiday season sap your spiritual strength. As the congregation lights the candles and sings “Silent Night”, close your eyes, take a deep breath and with the same excitement and anticipation you felt a month ago, get ready to hear the Greatest Story Ever Told again…. for the first time.
John Fischer
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