“O star of wonder, star of night
Star with royal beauty bright
Westward leading, still proceeding
Guide us to thy perfect light…”

Advent season is the perfect time to slow down and gaze at the stars. This Advent season each star has been given a unique name and our Saint Luke friends have been invited to reflect on what that name means to them. Their thoughtful reflections help us to also see the Advent and Christmas in new light.

Today’s reflection is from Emily Fowler:

Thrilled

O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

We are broken, hurt, tired, weary. We have been masking, distancing, and getting vaccinated, praying to find “a thrill of hope” in the midst of this ongoing pandemic. Yet, it seems we grow wearier. Our world today is full of “sin and error pining”— we are in desperate need of healing, of love, of Jesus.

We must look for the “thrills of hope” in this pandemic; the times, moments, and things that make us “feel its worth.” The closeness the pandemic has brought to families—allowing parents and kids to stay home and be in each other’s presence. The connections it has made—from virtual gatherings to livestreaming church services. The love we have shown to one another—caring for someone in quarantine or praying for those in the hospital. These are the trills that make our “weary souls rejoice.”

It’s easy to be weary and see the negatives of this pandemic; it’s challenging to pick out the positives. But, this Christmas, I challenge you to see “the stars brightly shining.” I challenge you to find the positives, the joys, the times that gave you a “thrill of hope.” Because Jesus is here today. He is here to walk with us through this troublesome time, to guide us on our journey, to help us find the “thrills of hope” and allow our “weary souls to rejoice.”

Dear God, thank you for today. Thank you for being here with us and holding us up as we grow weary. Please show us the bright stars and help us to find the thrills of hope in the midst of this pandemic. Please keep everyone safe, happy, and healthy.

In your name we pray, Amen.