Follow The Star: An Invitation to make a joyful noise.
Today's reflection is written by Zeb Soanes, broadcaster for Classic FM, a former BBC News reader and children’s author.
Introduction
Working in radio at peculiar hours, I've had to be on duty for many a Christmas Day.
All too often, Christmas would suddenly arrive without the build-up and expectation of Advent which I loved as a child, and then it was over.
So, in busy December, I relish the opportunity to sing carols: at services, concerts or in the local square. Singing the nativity story together brings a grounding connection to Christmases and generations past, who have done just the same.
A moment's pause from thoughts of work or the busyness of the season to be thankful, cherish those we love and wonder at that first Christmas…
Bible Reading: Psalm 95:1-7
O come let us sing to the Lord, let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving,
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
The Lord is a great God and a great king above all God's.
In his hand are the depths of the earth, the heights of the mountains are his also.
The sea is his for he made it, and the dry land which his hands have formed.
O come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
For he is our God and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.
Reflection
The theme of this year’s reflections is the great invitation. In today's Psalm we are invited to come into the Lord's presence with Thanksgiving. There is always much to be thankful for and, by accepting invitations to make a joyful noise through the singing of hymns and carols, we have a welcome opportunity to set aside the busyness of our own inner minds. To wonder at the ancient story. To feel connected with those who have marvelled long before us as we, ‘the sheep of his hand’ mark the turning of the year. united in songs of praise.
Invitation
I invite you to use music over the next few days to pause from the great bustle of Christmas, to reflect on all that you have to be thankful for, and to feel the companionship of creation.
Pray
Lord, help us to find stillness,
to empty our minds of the everyday and to give thanks.
Amen
The first Noel
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