Wednesday Advent 4

2 Peter 1: 16-21
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain.
So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

We love our Christmas traditions and folk tales. Tinsel, twinkle lights, Santas, sleigh bells, elves and children dressed as shepherds and angels are a few of the favorite things that are mixed together in our hearts and homes at this time of year. The ingredients all come together to produce a day (or two or three) when the best of human cheer steps into the foreground, painting a panoramic view of happiness. Many who realize that their cup is running over with good things take these days as an opportunity to spread cheer to strangers and acquaintances….singing them carols and presenting them with the sweetness of cookies and candy. It is a beautiful time – visually and relationally.
Sometimes we do so much to make Christmas happen. On this day, two days before Christmas, your list of things to do may be tightly woven. Many of us reach a frenzy … a pressured pace … thinking that we have to “get it all done” before December 25.
Whether we are part of planning worship services or putting finishing touches on family meals … or heading out to stores for those last minute gifts, it is a relief to hear the voice of the ages piercing through our “to do list”. Peace…be still…remember the prophetic message that is the focus of these days. There is a center that beckons us “like a lamp shining in a dark place”.
Remember…if all that we do to perpetuate our family traditions had to be left undone, the miracle which is Christmas would abide. Even if we walked into the church sanctuary and it was stark…dark…and silent… Even then… The joy of Christ’s birth would be given!
Pause… set your list of final tasks aside for a moment. Linger with the unfolding of this miracle which is God’s gift to all people. A new day is dawning and the morning star will rise in your heart.