Christmas Eve

One of the members of my parish just 'flew' through my office announcing all that they have to do to get ready for their family Christmas gathering tomorrow. Then, just before heading out to complete their shopping, one more phrase drifted into the office as the door was closing, "See you tonight!"

"See you tonight!" was this person's code language for, 'See you at Christmas Eve Services', but it started my mind wandering towards Bethlehem:

What if "See you tonight!" also meant, 'See you in the fields tending sheep outside of Bethlehem?'

What if "See you tonight!" also meant, 'See you in the fields to hear angel choirs?'

What if "See you tonight!" also meant, 'See you in the glow of a New Star?'

What if "See you tonight!" also meant, 'See you at the Stable?'

What if "See you tonight!" also meant, 'See you at the foot of a manger, on bended knee?'

What if "See you tonight!" also meant, 'See you there, with Mary and Joseph and the Baby?'

What if "See you tonight!"also meant, 'See you in the rejoicing after we see Him and go out from that place rejoicing?'

What if "See you tonight!" . . . well, you get the idea.

Who could have seen this coming on that night so long ago? Certainly not the Mary and Joseph. The shepherds were as surprised as anyone. The few folks around who were drawn to the stable in the next days because of the shepherd's story missed it completely. No, no-one could have anticipated what would happen in the dark of this one night, yet happen it did. God chose to come to us, to dwell with us, to embody the journey, to define the hope, to place flesh on the Vision . . . and God chooses to come to you still . . .

And those who are praying, those who are watching, those who are waiting, those who are crying out, those who are found at the margins, those who are 'in the fields' . . . will be the ones to see, to hear, to be witnesses all over again. "See you tonight!" is the language of the hopeful, the faithful, the eagerly anticipating. "See you tonight!" is both Trinitarian Declaration and Benediction, calling the congregation of God's people together and sending them out with Good News.

"See you tonight!" is God's own invitation for transformation.

Are you ready? Is your heart open to what God is doing? Is your soul ready to receive that which earth cannot give? Have you even set time aside to gather in worship of His arrival?

"See you tonight!" . . . I pray I do. "See you tonight!", in the Presence of Love.

A holy and blessed Christmas to all!