Christmas Eve Devotional

Star of Bethlehem quilt (1840s), Benton County Historical Museum,
Philomath, Oregon

"When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.  On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage." - Matthew 2:10-11

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"Standing without words

but without need of them, being at home."

(Jane Griffiths, Emigrant)

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Loving God,

We are weary from the journey, and troubled and distracted by many things. There are those who walked with us, whose company, challenge, and joy we now miss.

But you are the hope we find at the ends of the earth.

Lighten our hearts with the warmth of your welcome. 
Help us to fix our gaze on real events, the true meaning. Help us to show others where the Light is, the Bread,
the Life can be found.  Come, Lord Jesus.

Bring us home.

(St. Martin-in-the-Fields, 2005 Advent Devotional)