'Tis the season. . .’tis the season for busy shopping and hurried schedules. . .but in the middle of all the hustle and bustle it is wonderful to pause and appreciate again the beauty of the Christmas decorations, the jubilation of Christmas songs, the cheer of holiday greetings, and the power of the Christmas story. Perhaps like me you are touched by the warmth and beauty of Christmas decorations lighting up the dark winter nights. Light was part of the earliest Christmas, when magi followed a star and angels broke through the darkness of the night and the darkness of the world, appearing to shepherds with words of comfort, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger,” then the heavens were filled with angels singing “Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace to all on whom God’s favor rests.” Not knowing the actual birth date of Christ, early Christians celebrated Christmas on the day of the year with the longest night symbolizing that in our deepest darkness God breaks through and brings light and hope and life and love. That is the heart of the angels’ song, the hope of the shepherds' hearts, and the quest of the magi who traveled from afar to kneel before the Christ child. And that is the hope of each and every one of us who kneels before the manger where God has come to show His love and to share our life and give us hope and new life. Take heart. Rekindle hope. In the darkest night, God's light and love will shine through. . .
(scripture of the week)
For nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)
(Prayer of the week)
Gracious and loving God, thank you for the many blessings with which you have touched my life, but most of all thank you for the greatest gift of the Christmas season and all of life –the love of Christ and the gift of new life. Help me to open my heart anew to the true gifts of Christmas: peace, hope, joy, and, most of all, love. May I be joyful in all things, and may I treat others with love that they may see the light of your love in me. Amen.
Open your heart to God's awesome love!—Pastor TJ
(quote of the week)
No God, no peace - know God, know peace --Pope John XXIII
(scripture of the week)
For nothing is impossible with God. (Luke 1:37)
(Prayer of the week)
Gracious and loving God, thank you for the many blessings with which you have touched my life, but most of all thank you for the greatest gift of the Christmas season and all of life –the love of Christ and the gift of new life. Help me to open my heart anew to the true gifts of Christmas: peace, hope, joy, and, most of all, love. May I be joyful in all things, and may I treat others with love that they may see the light of your love in me. Amen.
Open your heart to God's awesome love!—Pastor TJ
(quote of the week)
No God, no peace - know God, know peace --Pope John XXIII
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