It’s Christmas Eve! Around the world all are preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ at midnight. Its a time of remembering his incarnation, looking forward to his second coming, and praying for the grace to give birth to his Spirit on Earth.

This is a time of great love, peace, faith, joyful expectation, and hope! Spend time with God and thank Him for the gift of His birth and His abiding presence, especially throughout your Advent prayer journey. Hopefully your relationship with God has grown through the time you have spent with Him over these weeks. Continue to pray for Jesus’ Spirit to be born in you and to reflect on how the Incarnation of God changes the way that you live your life.

If you’ll be exchanging gifts tonight, you may also want to sit down and wrap a gift for Jesus, remembering that he wants only an intimate relationship with you and to dwell fully in your heart. Consider writing a note that expresses what you will offer him. Then place it under the tree or some other place that you prefer.

As you read today’s reading, also begin to think about ways that you can protect the Spirit of Jesus within you — the very Spirit that you have been nourishing throughout Advent. As you will see in the reading, right from the start of his life, there were people out to betray and otherwise harm Jesus. But there are also people who are out to praise and protect him.

For now, on this most holy night, let us simply be still, behold and adore Him.

• Pray the Advent Prayer..

• Click the first video below to listen to today’s opening song for reflection.

• Prayerfully read Matthew 2:1-12.

• As you reflect on Christ’s birth, pray for the grace of giving birth to his love this Christmas and always.

• Click the second video below to listen to today’s closing song for reflection.

Opening Song Adore

Closing Song: Be Born in Me