December 23, 2022

“Child for us sinners / Poor and in the manger / We would embrace Thee / With love and awe; / Who would not love Thee / Loving us so dearly.”

That verse from “O Come, All Ye Faithful” cuts to the heart every time, over and over again, Christmas after Christmas after Christmas. For me, it is the essence of worship. Adoring the One who adores us.

Even deeper is this cut: “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” (John 1:11) And yet, He came. He came just the same.

“Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Fourth Sunday of Advent – BCP)