Advent Reflection 23 December

Come and join the celebration

Pause for a moment

How will you celebrate Christmas Day this year?

Listen to the music

Come and join the celebration
It's a very special day
Come and share our jubilation;
There's a new King born today!

See, the shepherds

Hurry down to Bethlehem,
Gaze in wonder

At the Son of God who lay before them

Wise men journey,
Led to worship by a star
Kneel in homage
Bringing precious gifts from lands afar, so

"God is with us"
Round the world the message bring
He is with us
"Welcome", all the bells on earth are pealing

Learn about the carol

This children's song for Christmas Day was written by English Anglican medical secretary, organist and hymn-writer Valerie Collison (b 1933). It is loosely based on Luke 2:15-18.
It was first published in Carols for Children (1972), and is now included in various mainstream hymn books. The song is widely used in primary schools, and also at Christmas Day church-services for families with young children. he tune for this carol first appeared as a secular dance tune known .

Time for reflection

One of the things missing from this year is the round of school nativity plays. I rarely leave without having a bit of a cry. I love the procession of sparkling ‘stars’, floaty angels, dishevelled shepherds and pompous young kings. Then there is the singing, and the ’speaking parts’ who work so hard at their lines. There’s usually one child who is a ’real character’ and has the ’shouty’ part (innkeepers wife or Herod!) that makes everyone smile. Eventually, the tableau is set, and the stage is full of children in costume who have safely delivered their lines. Proud parents and grandparents quietly wipe away a tear as they come to the last song. Hardworking teachers relax and smile. ‘Come and join the celebration’

Somehow it speaks of Christmas. The innocence, the effort, the celebration. God came to a world earth that was not polished and professional, but full of people doing their best with what they have. That tiny doll cradled by a smiling child changes everything. Truly a reason to come and join the celebration.

Time for Action

Find room for another Christmas decoration—prepare to celebrate.