Psalm 96

The Psalmist speaks of singing and rejoicing, and Advent is a time when these activities seem to be happening all around us.  Christmas music is everywhere, playing in every store and on the radio.  Ads tell us we should be celebrating the season and spreading joy by buying things to give as presents.  Advent reminds us that we are singing to the Lord with praise and adoration because we have already received the most precious gift of all.

This season is captured most in my memories of Christmas Eve midnight services, when I have returned home to the church in which I grew up.  Families have gathered, and it is a time to renew old acquaintances.  We gather to sing to the Lord and rejoice and worship.  When the lights are turned off near the end of the service, I wait in the darkness in anticipation of the light I know is coming.  The first notes of "Silent Night" sound, and the first candle is lit.  When my own candle is lit, it does not do much other than to illuminate the page of my hymnal.  But as each person lights the candle held by the person next to them, the sanctuary is gradually filled with a warm flickering glow.  By the end of the song, each face is illuminated by the golden light of the candles.  Once again, the darkness has been chased away, and the light has returned.

God of Light, you are great and greatly to be praised.  Illumine our way and bring light to our darkness that we might reflect your light and your glory as we rejoice in remembering the birth of your son and await the coming of your kingdom.  Amen.

Traci Truly

Senior Student from Garland, Texas