Our waiting and our anticipation is almost over. This time of preparation and prayer comes to fruition tomorrow. But we need to focus on today, Christmas Eve. The readings for today still have us waiting, but the words are full of light and hope and fulfilled promises. The words ask us to be ready. In the first reading, the Lord tells the prophet Nathan that he has been with David and offers David rest from his enemies. In the Alleluia, we welcome the morning of Christmas Eve: “O Radiant Dawn, splendor of light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.”

And in the Gospel of Luke, as in the earlier reading, the promises made are recalled, story retold of what has come before. My prayer for today as I wait and anticipate what these words have foretold is in the last words of the Gospel: “In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in the darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”  I pray for light and peace.