Do You Hear What I Hear? ~1 Day Away

            "Silent Night"

1 Day Away

"Silent night, Holy night, 

All is calm, all is bright."

Hopefully, we have all had the experience of a quiet Christmas Eve church service that features the individual lighting of candles and the singing of this special hymn. "Christ the Savior is born."

Music: "Silent Night"

Meditation: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

"When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." ~John 19:30

"With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. 
The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom." ~Mark 15:37-8

"Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Pace by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." ~Hebrews 10:19-23

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  ~Ephesians 6:10-12

Most lives are bookended by birth and death. Jesus is an exception. He lived in Godly form. He surrendered to human form. He was born as a human baby. He lived his life in service to God Almighty, and then he surrendered his life again. He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again in three days. He won the battle over death and Satan--the father of lies. 

Jesus lives. What a magnificent Silent Night!

Are you ready? Take a deep breath and surround yourself with silence. 

Now, imagine yourself entering the Holy of Holies--no worry, the curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. 

Awe...Reverence..."Silent night, Holy night. All is calm..."

Almighty God, I surrender. I have tried to live my life for me for far too long. I want to live for You. I believe that You are the Creator. I believe in Jesus the Christ Child. I believe He lived a sinless life and died for all. I believe that Jesus defeated death and the devil. I believe. I believe. Holy Spirit, enter my heart and restore. I love You, Great Mystery. I surrender. In Jesus' Name. Amen.


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