A PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS EVE (NT)

Luke 2:8-20

8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people

We are not used to good news

More like the end of the world news

End times

Mountains tumbling

Planets colliding

Suns going dark

We are not used to good news

Now good news?

Good news

Good news of joy

Good news to all the earth

We could use some good news

Times are tough

Wars and rumor of wars

Everything going to Hell in a hand basket

We could us some good news

Cheer us up

Make us feel better

Give us something to look forward to

Someone to put hope in

11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.

We need a Savior, God

A Savior to rescue us

Lift us out of the muck and mire

of our fumbled and mangled lives

Sort through the chaos of famine and strife

of the nations

We need a Savior, God

A Savior that will forgive us

Absolve us of our transgressions

and make us new

Wash away the stains on our souls

and the hurt in our hearts

Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”

Here we come, Lord

Come to see the baby

Come to see the miracle

Come to see the Word made flesh

Here we come, Lord

Come to worship

Come to bow in reverence

Come to celebrate Your coming

"To dwell among us."

20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Now we must go, Lord

Go and spread the Good News

Go and sing it on the mountain

Go and shout it in the town square

No we must go,Lord

Go and tell our friends the Good News

Go and share it with our neighbors

Go and proclaim it to rich and poor

Hallelujah

Christ has come

Hallelujah

Christ is here

Hallelujah

Christ will come again

Amen