Dear Peace members and friends,
I hope you had a merry Christmas Day and are enjoying time with those you love!
As you know, Christmas in the church is a 12-day festival. As Christians discovered early on, the Good News of God-in-the-flesh in Jesus was too important, too history-changing, to take in quickly; one day was simply not enough! So in their wisdom, our ancestors in the faith have given us these days following Christmas day to live into the meaning of the birth of Jesus for us all.
So on this coming first Sunday of Christmas, December 29th in worship (9:30am), we will find in our readings both the boy Samuel and the boy Jesus; both in the temple, both growing in spirit, mind, and body. We’ll sing more carols of the season, have a children’s message, and celebrate the presence of Jesus Christ together around Holy Communion.
And us? We too will return to the house of God to “sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God,” who has gifted us with a Savior. And to each and every one of you, as Christmas continues, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” It is Christmas, still!
See you Sunday,
Mark