Hello Gloria Dei,
This week I’d like to simply share a Christmas Devotion written by our newly elected Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Rev Yehiel Curry. In addition, be reminded that this weekend the Augustana Vespers Christmas Concert is being hosted by Gloria Dei. Tickets are available here. Due to Vespers, our 5pm Saturday worship service will be held this week in the Chapel.
Also, we are in need of volunteer help at our Christmas Eve services. To learn more and to sign up, use this link. Thank you!
Here is the Devotion from Bishop Curry:
Have you ever heard a whisper? “Hello!” Can you all whisper back to me? Whispers are quiet, gentle, almost like a secret. You have to lean in close to hear them. And I wonder if it’s possible for the heavens to whisper at Christmas?
One silent night, far away, in a town called Bethlehem, the stars twinkled brighter than ever. And the angels were there, too. It was as if the whole sky was whispering: “Something wonderful is happening …”
Let’s all look up at the ceiling like we’re looking at the stars.
Can you twinkle your fingers like stars?
Now let’s whisper together, “Something wonderful is happening …”
The heavens weren’t shouting. They weren’t making a big noise. They were whispering, because whispers make us stop, listen and pay attention.
And what was the whispering about? A baby. A tiny baby lying in a manger.
His name was Jesus.
Can you pretend to rock a baby in your arms?
The night Jesus was born, the shepherds heard the whisper in the sky when the angels sang. The Wise Men sensed the whisper in the star that guided them. And Mary and Joseph felt the whisper in their hearts: “This child is special. This child is God’s gift.”
Sometimes we think God only speaks in loud voices or through big miracles. But Christmas reminds us that God often whispers. God whispers love and kindness and peace.
Can you think of one kind thing you could whisper to someone this week?
So, this Christmas, listen closely. The heavens are still whispering: “Jesus is here. God loves you. Share that love with the world.”
Let’s all whisper together: “Jesus is here.” Now say “God loves us” in a joyful voice! Amen.
The Rev. Yehiel Curry
Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
