Religion & Spirituality
Today is the last day of our season: it is Christmas Eve. Today, we celebrate that the light of the world was born, and came to live with us. And we celebrate that his light will never go out, and he will come to us and shine on us again. Our readings today are John 1:1-4, 9-14 and Revelation 21:1-5 I wonder if I can imagine Jesus, the light of the world, as an ordinary human baby swaddled up and sleeping in the place where animals eat? How does this picture make me feel? Another way to read John’s words is, “The Word became a human being, and he pitched his tent -- his tabernacle -- among us.” The first tabernacle was a tent of cloth, with the Holy of Holies hidden behind a curtain inside. I wonder how Jesus is like the tabernacle? God loves us so much. The whole story of the Bible, from the beginning to the end, is about God creating, and saving, our world so that it will be a place where he can dwell with us. Can I believe, just for a moment, that this love is for me? That God wants, so much, to be close to me? I wonder: can I hear the love in the voice that John heard from the throne? Can I believe that no matter what, Jesus has come to live among us so that he can make all things new? Almighty God, on this holy night we thank you and praise you with joy. In Christ, you have become one with us so that we might become one with you; you made your home with us so that we might dwell in your kingdom forever. You have brought us out of darkness and into your glorious light. Help us to welcome you and celebrate with full hearts. And as we do, help us to look with your eyes of love and kindness on all people, so that your light will shine through us and our lives. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. We Wonder is written and hosted by me, Sarah Dahl; produced by Richard Clark; and engineered by Nick Thompson and Noah Kirby. Today’s episode also includes music from the album O Night Divine by City Church Music, featuring Karl Digerness and Brandi Thompson. You can purchase the album -- which you can enjoy through all 12 days of Christmas! -- at https://music.citychurchsf.org/album/o-night-divine. Thanks so much for listening along during this season. We’ll be back with a special Epiphany episode on January 6; in the meantime, you can keep in touch with us on Instagram and Twitter by following @wewonderpod, or read more at wewonderpod.com. Merry Christmas, everyone, and I wish you joy.