The angel said to them, “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.” Luke 2:20-21
Dear Church Family Members,
This year especially, we need the JOY that Christ brings. As we try to fill our moments with the familiar and long-held traditions, perhaps to remind us what once was, we find comfort in the words of Luke’s gospel about the first Christmas in Bethlehem. I find solace each time I read or hear these familiar words. They bring back warm memories of past Christmases as well as encourage me to find hope for the future. Jesus Christ transcends both time and place. His birth has as much meaning today as it did two thousand years ago.
Ann Weems, a contemporary author and poet wrote the following entitled The Christmas Spirit:
The Christmas spirit is that hope
which tenaciously clings to the hearts of the faithful
and announces in the face
of any Herod the world can produce
and all the inn doors slammed in our faces
and all the dark nights of our souls
that with God all things are still possible,
that even now unto us a Child is born!
(Kneeling in Bethlehem, Westminster Press, 1980, p. 51)
When our days seem to be missing hope and joy, let us remember that with God all things are still possible, and may we find the courage to celebrate the birth of Christ once again in our hearts and homes this Christmas season.
The Rev. Dr. Richard (Rich) J. Robison is providing pulpit supply while I am on medical leave. I encourage you to join with other members of our church family as we celebrate Christ’s birth this year:
Sunday, December 20 at 11:00 a.m. Christmas Sunday Worship
Thursday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service with carols and candles
A special Christmas Offering envelope is available if you wish to provide a financial gift to the church at this time in honor of Jesus’ birth.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! And may the celebration of Christ’s birth this year bring you peace, hope, joy and love.
Rev. Martha A. Dominy, Pastor