Dear church family and friends,
I’ll admit it: I like the end of December and the beginning of January more than any other time in the winter season. It has a “calm after the storm” quality to it. Candles have been lit, presents have been opened, cookies have been eaten, and – though it’s likely a mess from all the hustle and bustle – our house (and the church) feels lived-in and enjoyed, allowing for a time of rest and celebration.
The lyrics of “O Holy Night” have special meaning for me this year:
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,”
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
A new and glorious morn, indeed! Because of Christmas, the light has come. Because of Christmas, we know God has descended to us (rather than waiting for us to ascend to him), revealing himself in Jesus, Emmanuel, and promising to be with us always. Because of Christmas, nothing can ever be the same. The time of getting ready is over; the time of resting and celebrating is here.
As we move into a new year, it’s worth looking back to reflect on a rich and rewarding 2022. It has not always been easy, but it has been good. As the year began, we were still in a pandemic holding pattern: meeting inside but without much singing; oscillating between color codes and safety protocols; unsure and insecure about the state of our membership, the fragility of our finances, and the precarious condition of the church in America – to say nothing of personal struggles and grief.
Throughout it all, however, you’ve shown up and pulled together as the body of Christ. Our staff members have worked hard and led us well. Our elders, deacons, and committees have attended to the various needs of the church. And we were able to gather inside for Christmas Eve worship for the first time since 2019, lighting candles and proclaiming the good news that Christ the Savior is born. Thanks be to God!
May the Lord grant you rest and celebration, and may you have a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Blessed Epiphany season. I look forward to seeing you in 2023.
Blake
