As we struggle to make sense of this embattled world, a world of excess and absence, of dearth and net worth, it is good to be reminded of that ancient night, that troubled world, in which the strange silence that had enveloped us...the sense that God had turned the divine face from us...was shattered forever more, not by shock and awe, but by the bleating cry of a newborn babe. Here are some reflections I wrote many years ago...alas, they seem just as relevant this night. Peace be with you, my friends.
It is a season of silent expectation—
Shepherds, shivering in the night,
await the coming of the messiah
Adonai has promised them.
It is a season of ancient prophecy—
Magi, bearing royal gifts,
follow the light of a new-born star
to David’s city, Bethlehem.
It is a season of two-edged terror—
Herod, obsessed with usurpers,
has words of scripture on his mind
and thoughts of murder in his heart.
It is a season of great gladness—
Angels, foretold of the coming birth,
can hardly keep from singing to God
new-written songs of praise and love.
It is a season of heavenly peace—
Carry Christ-like reconciliation
with you into our embattled world.
It is a season of much rejoicing—
Our Redeemer this day is born!
Mike & Dana Rhyne
Christmas 1994
