The Alternative Prayer Book's preparation for Christmas begins on the ninth Sunday before Christmas. On that day, tomorrow, the Collect says: "Almighty God, you created the heavens and the earth, and made people in your own image; teach us to discern your hand in all your works, and to serve you with reverence and thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
Amid all the fuss and bustle before Christmas there is a danger of the central message - "Love came down at Christmas" - being swamped. Year after year we hear people saying: "Christmas has not been as `Christmassy' as in former times. It lacked the enthusiasm of those who enjoyed seeing the hand of God in the Holy Nativity of Our Lord on the first Christmas at Bethlehem."
In tomorrow's Collect, as we begin our prayers in preparation to celebrate the Nativity, we pray God to teach us to discern. His hand in all His works, and to serve Him with reverence and thanksgiving. We have a brief and clear guide that will lead us on the road to a happy and Christ-filled Christmas.
As we read through the Gospel account of Christ's coming into the world, and of the firm response people gave when they saw the hand of God at work, we may catch the kind of vision and spirit that inspired the wise men. Once they, and others, discerned it, they were unfailing in following the star that led them to the exceeding great joy of a happy Christmas.
In praying to God to teach us to discern His hand at work in the present, and indeed in our present moment, we are determined that He becomes the paramount influence as we celebrate his birthday.
When the wise men came into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother and fell down and worshipped him; and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold and frankincense and myrrh. After their adoration of the infant King, and presenting their gifts, we are told they departed into their own country another way. Their story is one that tells all those who were careful to heed the signs of God and the star that led them to the King of Kings. After their long journey of trust they were rewarded in actually coming into Jesus's presence. With reverence and thanksgiving they worshipped Him. All who reverently prepare for Christmas can have the same experience.
Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.
W.W.