Christmas Eve 2008 at St. E's: A Reflection ~ by Ronnie Archer

TODAY IS BORN OUR SAVIOR, CHRIST, THE LORD!

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." (Isaiah 9:1) A lot of us live in some sort of "darkness" during some parts of our lives. God's promise to us today is our salvation in Jesus Christ. We no longer have to live in the darkness, because God gave us the best gift He could. His Son came to earth in the flesh and dwelt among us. He is our Redeemer, and upon His shoulder, dominion rests.

This is the night which we all have been waiting for... to see God with our eyes, to touch God and to feel God. The promise has been fulfilled in Jesus.

Imagine the love that God has for us; to send His only Son to live among us, to teach us how to live, so that all humanity could be like Him.

No one would give Him a place to be born, so He was born in humility, in a manger with a barn full of animals. God chose simple ordinary people to see His Son first, the shepherds.

Are we like those who had no room for Jesus? Do we close our hearts to Him? We should recognize that we can also give "birth" to Jesus even now... when we humble ourselves, by living in the way He desires us to; loving and caring for one another. That makes for happiness and peace.

Happy are those who humble themselves. God gave Himself so all could be saved.

Keep in mind that this Baby, whose birth we celebrate today, is the One who suffered and died for our salvation. Welcome Him into your heart today!

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At 5:30 p.m., some of the children of our parish, as well as a few of the baptism candidates, participated in the Children's Program. It was nice to have so many children involved this year. There's lots of talent at our St. E's!

Our Christmas Vigil began with the baptismal rite in the rear of the church, with the eight children who were to receive that Sacrament, along with their families and their godparents. Then all processed in together and were seated.

The "Infant Jesus" was brought in by Lyric Weston, with her mother, Amy, and her uncle Jason, as candle bearers.

The entire celebration of the Liturgy was very beautiful and inspirational. The reception and the fellowship that followed the Mass was enjoyed by all.