Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord December 24, 2003 Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16; Luke 1:67-79 Reflection: "Your kingdom come, your will be done," is echoed in both readings for this day. Samuel states, "I will make his kingdom firm," and "your kingdom shall endure forever before me." Luke tells us that God "promised to remember his holy covenant" and "will guide our feet into the way of peace." As we near the great feast of the Incarnation, each one of us yearns for this peace of God's kingdom. Macrina Wiederkehr writes: "We are an incarnational people. The Word was made flesh in our midst." There is an ache deep within us for God. In order to heal this ache we must become like God. So let us be a dwelling place for the child who becomes incarnate tomorrow. God gave each of us birth that we might dwell in his peaceful kingdom. Suggested Action: Today as we pray the prayer Jesus taught us, may we meditate on the words Jesus used so that truly we can say, "For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory of God now and forever. Amen." Sister Thomas Aquinas Kielceski, IHM Scranton, Pennsylvania

We are an incarnational people. The Word was made flesh in our midst. -Macrina Wiederkehr Graphic: Sr. Elizabeth Mary Wallace, IHM