Wednesday 11 December 2024

Today is Wednesday the 11th of December in the 2nd week of Advent. Paul Zach sings, ‘O Christ, Draw Near’. How do you sense Christ drawing near to you today? O Christ, who waited for the chosen time To join Yourself with fragile humankind Draw near enough to catch our falling tears And weep Your own with us O Christ, draw near O Christ, draw near O Christ, draw near O Christ, draw near O Christ, who hid within your mother's womb You know the seeds we hide that wait to bloom Draw near enough to reach us through these fears And breathe Your peace on us O Christ, draw near O Christ, draw near O Christ, draw near O Christ, draw near O Christ, who knows the tenderness of flesh The sting of longing and the rush of breath Draw near enough our whisperеd pleas to hear And answer all our criеs O Christ, draw near O Christ, draw near O Christ, draw near O Christ, draw near O Christ, who came to draw us to Himself To open doors and tear the veil of death Draw near enough to walk beside us here And lead us all back home—O Christ, draw near Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 11:28-30 ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ In today’s reading, Jesus tells us that he is “gentle and humble in heart.” Imagine now, that the Lord is standing or sitting with you, wherever you are right now… What does this gentle and humble Lord look like? What is it like to let him simply look at you? Now, if you can, let him reach out take your hand, and hold it… If you feel comfortable, try to let this closeness continue, and as you listen to the reading again, imagine that the Lord is saying these words to you. What came to mind as you heard these words? Continue to sit with the Lord now, either speaking together, or in silence, letting him minister to you. O Wisdom Lord and Ruler Root of Jesse Key of David Rising Sun King of the Nations Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus.