In going to partake in a church service of preparation for the festival of Christmas, I was looking forward to sharing with people in their place of worship - a truly lovely building known for its helpfulness to all who pray. I was disappointed to learn that there was a power cut, and that we would be without light or heat.
Undaunted by the emergency, people brought candles and torches into use, and the service proceeded. The routine of customary worship was a bit disturbed, but the magnet of worship, for which we had come, was there in a very dark and cold building. Indeed, the little emergency stirred and inspired determination to worship.
Then, of a sudden, the source of light and heat returned, and the lovely church and its bright atmosphere were highlighted again. Even in meeting an ordinary emergency like a power cut, the congregation were determined to maintain their customary worship. It stirred their will power into effective action.
In stressing the need for firm decision of will in His followers, Jesus says: "Not everyone that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father ... in heaven." Those reluctant to obey God's will might be tempted to say: "Lord save me, but not yet!" But the Collect asks for the works of darkness to be cast away now. In striking, dynamic words of a prayer before Advent we actually plead with God to renew our way of living and loving: "Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people .. ."
The faithful Wise Men are an example to all on the pilgrimage to Bethlehem guided by a star, as we are by the prayer: "Thy will be done." Over and over again they were restored on their journey: "And lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. and when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down and worshipped Him."
As we, and others for whom we pray, arrive at the doors of well-lit and warm churches for our Communion with Him on Christmas Day we can say with joy: "We have come to worship Him."
"Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel".
W.W.