So, the big day has come and gone. Parties, family, presents, church, celebration over. How was Christmas for you? Did you stop to truly take in the day and thank God for all of your blessings? I hope your celebration was full of God's love, joy and peace.
Christmas Eve at Hope UMC was wondrous. At the 5p worship service we came together in a large congregation to remember the wonder of Jesus' birth through music, the story of the Christmas angel, and the prayer the reminds us all that we, like the innkeeper in Bethlehem, need to make room in our lives for Jesus. As we sang "Silent Night" in candlelight and then ended worship with "Joy to the World" I certainly could feel a true sense of hope for the future. I also felt blessed to share this experience with so many people!
Our 11p service was one of candles and carols as multiple voices recounted the story of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus from a different perspective. This service was peaceful and filled with the wonder and beauty of so many candles piercing the darkness. And so Christmas morning came - and again it was shared by many.
I know some people have already torn down the decorations, put out the Christmas lights and packed away the holiday for another year. But I hope you don't pack away the blessings, the wonder and the reminder to make room for Jesus in your life. As we head into 2013 may we all find a way to stop more often and look at the people and the world around us, understand the blessing of diversity and be ready to grow in our relationship with God and with one another.
Happy New Year!!
Laurie
No comments:
Post a Comment