Christmas Eve: The Birth of Jesus

ahhh ... breathe in the gentle presence of God and know that you are loved!
Come and read the text with the "ear of your heart" using Lectio Divina ...

1.    Read the text slowly.  Breathe and listen deeply to the words.  Focus your attention on the sense of the passage.   What word or phrase is most full of meaning for you?  Repeat your word or phrase several times, don’t project meaning now.  Chew on it and let it sink into your soul.   Take a deep breath and move on when you are ready ... Movement 1 (Read) 

Luke 2:1-20 The Message (MSG)
The Birth of Jesus

About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David’s town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.  While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.  There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”  At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the sheepherders talked it over. “Let’s get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us.” They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the sheepherders were impressed.  Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The sheepherders returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they’d been told!

After your first reading ... What word or phrase is most full of meaning for you?

2.    Read the text slowly again ... Reflect on your word or phrase as you pay attention to the still small voice of the text whispering to you, “Here I am, where are you?”  How does this “meaning-full” word touch your life today?   Take a deep breath and move on when you are ready ...

Movement 2 (Reflect)  How does this “meaning-ful” word touch your life today?

3.    Read the text slowly again.  How do you offer your prayers and your life to God today?  Respond to God with prayers of ... praise, confession, gratitude, discernment, commitment ... whatever emerges from within you as you consider your desires and your needs.   Take a deep breath and move on when you are ready …

Movement 3 (Respond)  How do you offer your prayers and your life to God today?

4.    Rest in the gentle silence of God's presence.  Breathe in the love of God.  As you move on, breathe out the love of God upon the world!

Movement 4 (Rest) Breathe … Breathe … Breathe … Amen

If music is a pathway to God for you, listen to Do you Remember when You First Heard the Story? on YouTube.  The composer and artist is Jacque Darragh, whom I have been on retreat with and witnessed her musical talent.  She is amazing and you can access more of her music on her website at jacquedarragh.com

If art is a pathway to God for you, perhaps you might try Praying with an Icon with instructions found taking the Link to my Website: MOSAIC Spiritual Formation Ministry

The image of Our Lady in Czestochowa, Poland is among a small group of Black Madonnas recognized throughout the entire world, largely due to the manifestations of public piety shown by the late Polish Pope, John Paul II.  This is a photo of this stunning icon that hangs in my Prayer Room.  

Take this link to read more about this fascinating icon:  University of Dayton  
http://campus.udayton.edu/mary/meditations/olczest.html

Deep Deep Peace of the Christ Child to You!  Cindy