Day 24: Joy
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch-dark land, light has dawned. You have made the nation great; you have increased its joy. They rejoiced before you as with joy at the harvest, as those who divide plunder rejoice. As on the day of Midian, you’ve shattered the yoke that burdened them, the staff on their shoulders, and the rod of their oppressor. Because every boot of the thundering warriors, and every garment rolled in blood will be burned, fuel for the fire. A child is born to us, a son is given to us, and authority will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be vast authority and endless peace for David’s throne and for his kingdom, establishing and sustaining it with justice and righteousness now and forever. - Isaiah 9:2-7, Common English Bible
I love Christmas eve services. Since I have a boot on my foot, I decided it would be best not to walk the labyrinth during the labyrinth service (walking of labyrinth, poems, Bible verses, music...). Instead I chose a pair of feet and followed them through the labyrinth. When the feet paused, I paused and took notice. Since the socks had hearts on them, it was easy to follow them even as more feet joined the labyrinth. As the service ended, I found the heart socks and told their owner that I had followed her through the labyrinth since I couldn't walk it myself.
After the labyrinth service, I went out for coffee with a friend before attending the pageant service. The quietness of the labyrinth service was broken with the loudness of the pageant service. Little kids were squirming in their seats. In my pew, the angel was complaining because her halo was "itchy." When her mom looked at me with a bit of embarrassment, I explained that all of us felt a bit itchy under our halos. Many of us even choose to take them off. With a smile, the mom allowed the angel to remove her halo, but it went back on when it was her turn to take the stage. Shepherds were also having difficulties with their head coverings, and everyone seemed a bit itchy and squirmy... love it. As Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus sat in front waiting for angels and shepherds to arrive, a very young boy took a seat on Joseph's lap. It seems that baby Jesus's brother didn't want to be left out. Ahhhh....
Both services bring the light to the darkness and show joy in a different way.


Comments
Love the idea of walking the labyrinth.