THEY SHARED HER JOY

PRAYER PAUSE (After days of internet interruptions. Apologies!)

Friday 23 December 2016

THEY SHARED HER JOY

Pause. Enter into the stillness of God within.

Reading: “The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son; and when the neighbours and relations heard that she had been shown so great a kindness, they shared her joy.” (Luke 1:57-66)

Reflection. Wherever you go people “shop till they drop” at this time of the year. Companies make a killing as they cash in on the desire of people to celebrate and give presents. And we rejoice that they do: these are the ripples that make their way out from the event in Bethlehem. Many may not give a thought to what that event is really all about but “they share her joy”, Mary’s joy, our joy. There is no need to wring our hands and say ‘Christmas is now just a festive season with no religious content.’ This may be true but people are warmed even if they are far from the fire. And anyway, who is to say they are far from the fire?

Prayer. Lord, may we all really rejoice in these days and turn our hearts to one another. Amen.