Beloved Friends,
Might I take the liberty to request a moment of pause here in the start of this Pastor’s note?
Okay?
Okay!
Pause | Breathe | Rest | Repeat
Have you been bitten by the busy-ness bug in the past few weeks? Between business as usual and Advent services, children’s programs, parties and community celebrations, this has been a time of joyful preparation but not one where I have caught my breath. And in the midst of this time, my children have brought home other not-so-lovely bugs from school that they have lovingly shared with me, including one this past Monday that left me laid up on the couch thinking, “this cannot be happening the week leading up to Christmas Eve.”
With the care of my husband, a supportive staff that told me to rest, and some very quick-acting medicine I was back on my feet within a day, but the entire ordeal got me thinking once again about that very first Christmas night.
A baby king, born and placed in a manger, comes into the world with only the sounds of his earthly parents’ voices, the snuffling of animals, and the excited whispers of shepherds. There were no decorations but the stars in the sky. I can guarantee the smells of Christmas wafting around that night were not of gingerbread and peppermint. And while no night with a newborn is exactly calm or quiet, there was a certain peace and joy that came with Christ’s entrance into this world. Imagine the hope bubbling to the surface from those who first encountered this tiny infant. What a beautiful, simple image of Christmas.
Your plans for the next few days are already set. Your loved ones are coming into town, or you might be traveling on your way to them. Nevertheless, let the simplicity, the peace, and the beauty of God’s love in Christ’s birth guide your days. Share the love of Christ with your loved ones and those around you. Find some time, even the smallest amount of time, to rest in the quiet of God’s presence. Join us as we worship the birth of our Lord and Savior. I cannot wait to celebrate him with you!
In hope, peace, joy & love,
Pastor Rachel
Comments