Awaiting Christmas: Christmas Eve

Greetings Dear Reader,

I shared one of my Christmas Eve traditions yesterday.  My most important one is quiet and yet very difficult.  I try to have a constant conversation with God in my mind.  In doing this I respond to beauty with praise.  I respond to blessings with gratitude.  I express my heart quietly to God throughout the day.  I ask for advice and express my needs.

Photo by Natalie Foley

I will continue this conversation but with a difference.  From sunset on Christmas Eve until sunrise the day after Christmas I will not ask God for anything.  He has given enough and I will still offer my gratitude and share my wonder at things but will not ask for anything.  I am in the habit of silently asking for strength, wisdom, patience, and many things throughout the day.  I impose this fast from asking to keep in mind just how much I was given by Christ being born.

I am not saying that everyone should do this but I hope in puts you in mind of what it cost God for the following to become reality.  It is truly what matters about Christmas.  Without the cradle in Bethlehem we do not get to the cross in Jerusalem.  It is good to recognize that God has already given us enough.

Luk 2:1-14 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."