Pastors Message – December ’14 / January ’15

"Advent is the perfect time to clear and prepare the Way. Advent is a winter training camp for those who desire peace. By reflection and prayer, by reading and meditation, we can make our hearts a place where a blessing of peace would desire to abide and where the birth of the Prince of Peace might take place….
Daily we can make an Advent examination. Are there any feelings of discrimination toward race, sex, or religion? Is there a lingering resentment, an unforgiven injury living in our hearts? Do we look down upon others of lesser social standing or educational achievement? Are we generous with the gifts that have been given to us, seeing ourselves as their stewards and not their owners? Are we reverent of others, their ideas and needs, and of creation? These and other questions become Advent lights by which we may search the deep, dark corners of our hearts." An Advent Examination — Edward Hays

Dear friends,

Christmas brings with it many festive activities. There are some who will be celebrating without loved ones and all of the cheer. Our prayer this Christmas and throughout the new year is that our rooms and hearts will be open to others in a renewed sense of love and peace. We are called to share our gifts of love and compassion with our neighbors in need. In this season we celebrate the revelation of God to us in Jesus Christ. May this Advent season be a special one for our church community. May we grow in our faith and seek peace. Let us think of ways we can inspire someone else by lending a hand or an empathetic listening ear. Let us wrap others in the love we have to share.

Have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year.