Christmas Eve.

The presents are wrapped; the cookies are baked; and the tree is aglow.

As excited as I am to be surrounded by my family soon, I am equally excited to go to church this evening.

Few services hold the sacred weight and joy that Christmas Eve does to me.

It’s here, on Christmas Eve, that I think about the young mother who fully surrendered herself to be used by God.

Would I have done that?

I sure am grateful Mary did.

On Christmas Eve, as I read passages from Luke 2, I reflect on the arduous journey that Joseph and Mary took, the fear and scrutiny they must have faced, and how they depended on God in the most desperate of circumstances.

Could I have done that?

I’m eternally grateful they did.

It’s during this special Christmas Eve service as I hold a candle and sing “O, Holy Night” that I think about that solemn and remarkable evening centuries ago when a dingy manger cradled the most significant Child to ever be born.

What a sacrifice for God to put on flesh!

What a gift!

And, it’s here, in this sweet service that I quiet myself and consider God’s ultimate act of love in sending His only begotten Son into the world to save us.

Oh, what Jesus would eventually have to endure to redeem me from my sin!

Luke 2:20 says that on that glorious night, “The Shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen…” (NIV)

And like the shepherds centuries ago, I know I will walk away from tonight’s Christmas Eve service glorifying and praising God for His perfect gift to the world.

Jesus.

Merry Christmas – peace and goodwill to all!

Until next time, Grace and Glory!