Celtic Advent Christmas Eve: So we reach the final day, the night before Christmas! When we settle into our beds, and the wait for the celebration is over, our Advent has come to an end. This night, we enter rest ready to rise to the celebration of the birth of the Messiah, the Christ, Immanuel, God with us. The incarnation has taken place, we have readied ourselves to celebrate; not only this, but we have contemplated the coming of Christ within us, into our own lives, and we have readied ourselves for the coming again of Christ at the end of all things. This night is the long night... white moon there will be till morn. This night is the eve of the Great Nativity, this night is born Mary Virgin's Son, this night is born Jesus, Son of the King of glory. This night is born the root of our joy, this night gleamed the sun of the mountains high, this night gleamed sea and shore together. This night was born Christ the King of greatness. Ere it was heard that the Glory was come, heard was the wave upon the strand; ere 'twas heard that His foot had reached the earth, heard was the song of the angels glorious. This night is the long night. As we settle down ready for tomorrow's celebrations, we remember all that the Celtic Christian tradition has taught us about the celebration of Christmas, about the sense of Advent and the 40 days we have focused upon Christ. This night, for hundreds of years, our spiritual and physical ancestors have settled into their beds ready to greet the dawn on Christmas day and sing and celebrate with joy: Emmanuel - GOD IS WITH US! Contemplation As the time of Advent comes to an end, reflect back over the 40 (ish!) days. Search the #celticadvent tag and reread any parts you wish to be reminded of once again; reread any notes you may have made. Then settle into peace, ready to rise in the morning to celebrate the coming of the Christ. Reading For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. ISAIAH 9:6-7 Prayer Holy, gracious and loving God, you stepped into our world; you became incarnate; you took on our humanity that we might take on your divinity. May I rest this night knowing what the dawn brings, knowing the joy which awaits me. May I rest this night ready to celebrate the glorious birth of Jesus Christ. Amen #celticadvent #2022

Posted by Anam Cara Abbey at 2022-12-24 21:06:37 UTC