Day 17: Stay Out of Bethlehem

 

Stay Out of Bethlehem

An Advent Calendar Story

Day 17

Hark! the herald angels sing

Glory to the new-born King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!

Christmas rushed toward them. Caught up in holiday preparations, baking cookies for the free lunch program, wrapping gifts for Merry and Hurry (despite their urging her not to bother this year), helping to collect clothing for the Veteran’s Hospital gift drive, volunteering at the Senior Center, and taking frantic calls from Althea about getting candles for the worshippers for the Christmas Eve service, Celia had little time to worry about her story. On December 19th, she looked up from the box she was packing for the VA and realized that she only had five days (counting this one) to come up with a great story/sermon. 

Waving a hasty good-bye to the other packers, Celia grabbed her things and almost galloped home. The few blocks seemed endless as she scoured her mind for a viable story line. What had she gotten herself into? Dropping her bag by the front door, and skirting around the tree Hurry (Mom, we just have to have a tree) had set up, Celia headed to her office. 

Opening her laptop, she faced the blank screen, lifted her hands, dropped her fingers onto the keys, and prayed for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. She gazed up at the painting above her desk hoping an angel would appear with a fully finished manuscript of the greatest Christmas story ever written. Chuckling at her thoughts, Celia realized that an angel had already given that story. "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

Looking upward, Celia prayed, “Rest some favor on me!”

Advent Challenge: The rush of the holidays sometimes overwhelms us. While we are running around doing good, we often forget to prepare for the coming Savior. Take a moment today to read the greatest story every told in Luke 2:1-20. Glory with the angels. Wonder with the shepherds. With Joseph, praise God. With Mary, ponder all these things in your heart. 

Prayer: Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King!”  Lord, send us your peace. Amen