A Special Time of Year

Greetings in the Name of the Christ Child,

Christmas is a special time of year. We gather as church and family to celebrate the birth of our savior. For some, Christmas is painful and lonely. Loss, grief, crisis, and life changes can bring bittersweet memories that make the Christmas celebration difficult. As the Psalmist sadly states, “How can we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” 

Let’s remember that we are the body of Christ. We are the hands and feet of our Lord who comes at Christmas. We can sing the Lord’s song even in the most difficult times because God uses us to “make all things new”. I know many of our church members are reaching out to those in need. I personally have felt your prayers, thoughts, invitations, and kind words. Take time in these final few days before Christmas to pray for God’s direction. Let God use you to bring the hope of Christmas to someone. Every word or action can be used with power when we allow God to lead us. 

Here is the promise… God uses everyone. EVERYONE! No matter our station or ability. Whether we are full or empty… weak or strong… God uses us when we put ourselves in God’s hands. 

Christ comes into the world to reshape what we think is useless into something holy. God doesn’t force us to follow him. There is no coercion or threat. God comes as a humble child, a flickering light to make new what the world has used up. 

No matter what has happened in your life, God will come again to make something new and sacred. As we lift our candles to the Lord of all creation, know that the reflected light of all our candles cannot be extinguished. Know that your words and actions can be a message of hope for someone in need. 

This Sunday, we focus on the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, from Luke 1:39-49. Her submission to God's call stands as an example for us of faith and devotion. It is a beautiful story of God's grace poured out. 

God has come. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. 

Pastor John Allen

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the God of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17)