MERRY CHRISTMAS! I’m so thankful for this season of Advent and the opportunity we’ve had to more deeply explore the scriptures and wonder together how a weary world rejoices. I hope and pray the season has been meaningful to you and has made an impact on your faith journey.  

This Sunday (Christmas Eve) there will be 2 services. In the morning we will celebrate the 4th Sunday in the season of Advent by exploring the Magnificat in the Gospel of Luke. This scripture records the song Mary sings celebration and anticipation of the work God is doing in the world and the birth of her child. At this service we will have special music from both the choir and handbells! In the evening we will have our traditional candle light service. At 6:45 we will have a carol sing and at 7pm the service will begin. At this service we will have scripture, poetry, carols, and special music from the MCCC Choir, the Linds, and Jon & Ally Bozeka. We hope you are able to join us in the house or online!

I also wanted to let you know that next week, I will be on vacation with my family. Thank you to our Elder Chairs — Brian Hurd and Steve Hurd — for planning and leading the service on Dec. 31st. I will see you on Epiphany Sunday, January 7th.  

In closing, I want to share with you today a powerful reflection by Howard Thurman. As you read it, I hope that you will be challenged by the call to carry the Christmas Spirit into the world and all year around. 

The Work of Christmas by Howard Thurman
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.

God’s Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love be with you as we celebrate the birth of Christ! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Peace,

Chad