A Child Shall Lead
Deep peace of the quiet earth to
you.
Deep peace of the shining stars
to you.
Deep peace of the gentle night to
you.
Moon and stars pour their healing
light on you.
Deep peace of Christ the Light of
the World to you.
–Gaelic blessing
About thirty years ago,
a pair of psychologists who also happened to be Episcopal priests did a study
of infants and young children, and came to the conclusion that from the time we
are born, every early articulation we make is prayer. We experience such intimacy
of relationship with our Creator that every gurgle and coo, every kick and
colic is conversation with God, or prayer.
But as we grow older
and more self-aware, we turn more to one another, and less—to God. As parents,
we see this in our relationship with our children. We even encourage it: “You
can do it yourself! Go ahead!” And then one day, when we are all older, we
realize the kids hardly ever spend time with us anymore.
I wonder if our
Almighty Father feels the same way.
This week, all four candles
have been lit on our Advent wreath: Hope, Way, Joy, and Prince of Peace. That
is just one of many titles the Prophet Isaiah foretold would be given to the
Christ Child at his birth. How will you be led by the Child this week?
* * * * *
Monday, December 23
Rest and reflect on the best Christmas you remember as a child. What
made it special for you? Share your story with a friend. Proverbs 20:24
Tuesday, December 24 Is there someone you know whose simple
presence is calming? Pause; think about what they’ve got that you want, and
give thanks. Numbers 6:24-26
Wednesday, December 25 Set aside some time today, amidst the
“orchestrated chaos” of Christmas, to be still. Reflect on a simple way you can
carry the Light of the Christ Child forward into tomorrow . . . and the next
day. . . . Nehemiah 8:10-12
Thursday, December 26 In Canada, today is Boxing Day; in
South Africa, the Day of Goodwill. Ireland celebrates St. Stephen’s Day. All
these holidays are opportunities for those who have more to share with those who have less. Will you participate? Matthew
5:2-10
Friday, December 27 Today, try to pray for someone you have
never met. Ask God to open your eyes to the need around you. John 10:14-16
Saturday, December 28 In praying for yourself, today, affirm
yourself as a beloved Child of the Divine. Silence the critics in the world and
rest in God’s perfect peace. Matthew
13:44-46
Sunday, December 29 Today marks Christmastide in the church
year, the season from Christmas Eve to Epiphany. Why not pause today and simply
enjoy the beauty all around us? James
3:17-18
“If everyone demanded peace instead of
another television set, then there’d be peace.”
–John Lennon
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