Reflection for Friday, Dec. 24
It’s Christmas Eve!!! The lights are shining bright, and music makes its way through every room of the house, but we all are exhausted from shopping, wrapping, cooking, rehearsing, and all that we do to prepare for this one day each year.
Indeed, we seem to always be preparing for something, but this passage from Luke reminds us that most of all, we’ve been tasked, as John was, to prepare for the arrival of our Savior whose birth we celebrate tomorrow. Like Jesus, we arrived as vulnerable children, and others prepared our way, as we do for our own children, but for what? It is quite simple and at the same time so awesome!
Like John was asked so long ago, we are asked to spread the word of salvation by being forgiving and kind because when the dawn breaks upon us, as it does with the birth of each new child, its light guides our feet into the way of peace. John’s was no easy task, and ours isn’t either. As every parent, teacher, priest, or rabbi knows, it can really be tough to know what to prepare for and how to prepare. But in my head plays that wonderful song from Godspell, “Prepare Ye The Way,” reminding me that this time of preparation can and should be a joyful one. I need to put my fears and anxiety aside and let the dawn’s light guide me forward toward wonderful Peace. Again, not an easy task, but one for which I hope I am prepared.
Dave Kenna