Beloved Friends,
We are now just a day away from the Feast of the Nativity. The day we gather together to hear the beautiful birth story of how God’s love came to dwell among us. Whether you have plans to join us for our very inter-active and joy-filled “intergenerational service” at 4:00pm, tune in to engage through our digital offering Trinity@Home at 7:00pm, or find your way to our late service beginning at 10:30 with special music followed by a full Eucharist, I know you will be reminded of why this is such a special time and a life-changing story. For weeks now we have been preparing for this day, watching, wondering, waiting and planning to once again welcome the Christ child.
And while the story we hear every year stays the same, we are always different each time we approach this stable in the night. And while the songs we will sing and the words of many of the prayers will also be familiar to many, again, I think they have a way of changing us because we come to this night after another full year of living our lives through a challenging time.
So for all of the losses, changes, joys, struggles and triumphs you may have lived through this year, I pray that you come to Christmas Eve with a child-like wonder ready to be amazed and to have your heart strangely warmed once again. May the words below give you food for thought for the year ahead. Thank you for who you are in this time and place.
May we often go to the Bethlehem of our hearts and visit the One who offers us peace.
May we bring peace into this world.
And may you never forget that you are loved.
Lisa
And, if you haven’t yet had a chance to make an end-of-year donation for our Annual Christmas Appeal, please consider donating to help support the ministry we share.
A Christmas Blessing, From Out of the Ordinary
by Joyce Rupp
May there be harmony in all your relationships.
May sharp words, envious thoughts, and hostile feelings be dissolved.
May you give and receive love generously.
May this love echo in your heart like the joy of church bells on a clear December day.
May each person who comes into your life be greeted as another Christ.
May the honor given the Babe of Bethlehem to be that which you extend to every guest who enters your presence.
May the hope of this holy season settle in your soul.
May it be a foundation of courage for you when times of distress occupy your inner land.
May the wonder and awe that fills the eyes of children be awakened within you.
May it lead to renewed awareness and appreciation of whatever you too easily take for granted.
May the bonds of love for one another be strengthened as you gather around the table of festivity and nourishment.
May you daily open the gift of your life and be grateful for the hidden treasures it contains.
May the coming year be one of good health for you.
May you have energy and vitality.
May you care well for your body, mind and spirit.
May you keep your eye on the Star within you and trust this luminescent presence to guide and direct you each day.
May you often go to the Bethlehem of your heart and visit the One who offers you peace.
May you bring peace into this world.