Advent D — “Be Present”

The fourth weekend of Advent our Choir presented their Cantata, “The First Noel.”

Pastor Leanne and I were honored to be the narrators.

I was also thrilled to get to preach an introductory homily.  In it, I reminded everyone of two groups in the Christmas story.

There were shepherds at the manger.  They were there in response to the angelic invitation.  They saw, they believed what they’d been told about this baby, and they shared this good news.

The Bible also says that unnamed persons arrived later and worshipped the Christ child with gifts —

¹¹ On coming to the house,

they saw the child with his mother Mary,

and they bowed down and worshiped him.

Then they opened their treasures and presented him

with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  (Matthew 2:11)

Like everyone now, we are invited to be present.

We arrive like both original groups: invited, seeing for ourselves, believing and bringing gifts.

We’re invited to be present at Christmas and beyond.

As we step into Christmas Eve today, my hope and prayer is that we be fully present.

God is still in business.  Let’s notice.