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| Painted glass with votive candle |
We have waited for a long time for your hope, your joy, your love to shine in the darkness of this world, Almighty God. Even now, in our gathering here, we await you. In our hearts, we still hope that your light will blaze forth, banishing the shadows of this world and guiding all the people back to you.
Yet you did not come into this world in a show of power and glory. You did not shine forth for all of creation to behold. A tiny spark—a newborn baby, visible to parents and curious animals. A host of angels—away from the populated areas, singing to migrant workers. A sparkling star—guiding foreigners to see what neighbors could not.
Open our hearts, merciful God, to the sparks of your
presence still in this world. Open our eyes, that we might behold your presence
in the least likely of places, and among the least likely of people.
God with us, kindle your spark within us, that
together we may shine forth your light, we might banish the shadows of this
world, we might be the continuation of the Christmas miracle: Emmanuel is in
this world, God is with us, now and evermore.
Illumine our hearts, gracious God, that we might
speak anew the words your Son will teach us….
—Rev. Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy
First Church Congregational in Rochester, NH
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