Don't pass by me
The light burns bright in the window tonight,
Christ is passing by.
The cattle are restless in the byre tonight,
Christ is passing by.
The shepherds are watching in the fields tonight,
Christ is passing by.
The inn is crowded with travelers tonight,
Christ is passing by.
Stop for a moment, Lord, hear my plea,
Fill an empty heart,
Don't pass by me.
- A Christmas Eve Prayer in the Celtic Tradition
As a child, I loved Christmas Day: the presents, the food, the excitement and happiness. As an adult, the magic of the season continues, but I find the simplicity and solitude of Christmas Eve to be the most poignant and profound. Since becoming confirmed in the Episcopal Church, my mom and I have made an annual tradition to attend Christmas Eve Mass. This will be the first year that I will attend midnight mass at my new parish, Saint Bart's, and I am very excited to experience Christmas with a new community. Due to residual health issues from chemo, my mom will not be in attendance, but I will share this ritual and experience with my father for the first time.
At its core, Christmas is about birth, whether it is the birth of Christ, the birth of light in darkness, the turn of the wheel, the cycle of the Earth and seasons. This time of year, I embrace the nature of change and welcome the light that God allows into my life. Lately, I feel as if God is making room in my life, my heart, my future for something wonderful. For the first time, I feel at peace with myself and my choices, and I am willing to accept that I do not have all the answers. After all, there is beauty in the unknowing. This Christmas, I pray for many things: wisdom, peace, healing for those who are ill, and the strength to live as an example of Christ in the world.
A Blessed Christmas Eve!
