Inspired by lyrics to “Emmanuel” by Claudia CarawanOnce, a tiny baby slept beneath the stars of a long, dark night.
This child, an answer to our prayers, our hopes and dreams and longing for the light.
And now, the time has come to celebrate this baby’s birth and vow to do our best to bear His light upon this earth.
I welcome the gift of this love with the joy of receiving.
I welcome the light to my heart with all of my being.
Welcome to my heart, sweet and holy Child.
Shine your light on me, Emmanuel.
Responsive Reading for December 25
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman . . . about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel” (Is.7:14)
Once, a tiny baby slept beneath the stars of a long, dark night.
This child, an answer to our prayers, our hopes and dreams and longing for the light.
“The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means ‘God is with us’” (Mt. 1:20-22).
And now, the time has come to celebrate this baby’s birth and vow to do our best to bear His light upon this earth.
“Therefore the Lord . . . His outspread wings will fill the width of your land, Emmanuel!. . . Give ear, all you distant lands!
. . . ‘With us is God!’ . . . I will trust in the Lord…. Yes, I will wait for him” (Is. 8:7-17).
I welcome the gift of this love with the joy of receiving.
I welcome the light to my heart with all of my being.
“And behold, I am with you always” (Mt. 28:20).
Welcome to my heart, sweet and holy Child.
Shine your light on me, Emmanuel.