Do You Hear What I Hear? ~2 Days Away

            "The First Noel"

2 Days Away

A beautiful newborn baby. A few simple needs.

Keep the baby bundled, dry, and fed. 

Whether the baby is nestled in someone's arms, in a fancy crib with a vibrant mobile, or in a manger bed.

Life slows down for a precious newborn's life.

Music: "The First Noel"

Meditation: "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!'

    'Martha, Martha,' the Lord answered, 'you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed--or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'" ~Luke 10:38-42

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God." ~Micah 6:8

"Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 

I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

For I too was a son to my father, 

still tender, and cherished by my mother.

Then he taught me, and he said to me, 

'Take hold of my words with all your heart; 

keep my commands, and you will live.

Get wisdom, get understanding;

do not forget my words or turn away from them...

Do not let them out of your sight, 

keep them within your heart;

for they are life to those who find them

and health to one's whole body.

Above all else, guard your heart, 

for everything you do flows from it.'" ~Proverbs 4:1-5; 21-23

"May God arise, may his enemies by scattered; 

may his foes flee before him...

Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, 

   extol him who rides on the clouds,

rejoice before him--his name is the Lord...

The Lord announces the word, 

and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng...

Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior 

who daily bears our burdens. 

Your procession, God, has come into view,

    the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary.

In front are the singers, after them the musicians;

    with them are the young women playing the timbrels....

Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth,

sing praise to the Lord, 

to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens,

who thunders with mighty voice. ~Psalm 68:1, 4, 11, 18, 24-25, 32-33

Oh, sing to the Lord! Gain wisdom to discern what is most important and sing, worship, be still. 

Almighty God, let us focus on You. Let us understand that being busy is not the answer. Give us the time, the patience, and the will, to be still. We love You, Lord Jesus. Help us to make the better choice and sing praises to Your Holy Name. In Jesus' Name.  Amen.