Advent, Day 6

Luke 1:68-79; Malachi 3:13-18; Philippians 1:18b-26

Reading these passages today, I'm struck by this verse from Paul's letter to the church at Philippi: "Since Christ is proclaimed in every way, whether from dishonest or true motives, I'm glad and I'll continue to be glad."

God of Glory,
May Christ be proclaimed in this season of celebration!
May Christ be proclaimed in Christmas carols sung in cathedrals
   and in carols played in coffee shops.
May Christ be proclaimed in the glow of Advent wreath candles
   and in the glow of tacky light displays.
May Christ be proclaimed by evergreens in the forest
   and by artificial trees in department stores.
May Christ be proclaimed by handbells in worship
   and by jingling bells of Salvation Army ringers.
May Christ be proclaimed in homes and neighborhoods,
   in chapels and shopping malls.
May Christ be proclaimed in candy canes for children
   and in meals for the hungry.
May Christ be proclaimed in homes shared with relatives
   and in shelter given to the homeless.
May the Word of God be proclaimed at all times and all places,
   that all may know the love, the joy, and the grace of Emmanuel, God-with-us.
Amen.