Last week during Bible Study someone mentioned they miss the Christmas party and gift exchange we used to have, and while we can, and have had zoom parties and celebrations, we have missed seeing each other.
In these season of adjustments, I invite us to think of Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth and all who were part of the story of Jesus’ birth -- think of the adjustments they made, let go of the familiar -- not because they wanted to. Mary got pregnant, Joseph accepts what was happening, Zechariah couldn’t speak, Elizabeth was pregnant at an old age, Mary lived with all the disrespect that she must have experienced from her community, and ignore the comments, leave her home, spend time with Elizabeth, travel with Joseph and had her first child in circumstances no mother would wish upon anyone! And yet -- they made those adjustments, and as a result, we received the best gift humanity could ever wish for- ‘Immanuel’- ‘God With Us!” God chose to dwell with us in human form -- so we could experience God’s love through Jesus! But many folk had to make many adjustments in their lives for the good news to become a reality.
Tomorrow when we gather, whether at home through zoom or here in the sanctuary in-person, to celebrate again, the birth of Jesus -- let us consider these persons and their adjustments. Let us consider also the adjustments we could make in our lives, to become the messenger of this good news to those who would not be able to be on zoom, or sit in a pew, who will not be able to listen to the carols, or hum “Silent Night” with a candle in their hand. Just like the shepherds, who went out proclaiming the good news, may we also share the joy of Christmas with friends and strangers alike -- doing what Jesus came to do -- LOVE everyone!
Please note that the office will be closed from Christmas Day till Monday, January 3rd. Please check in with Woo Evans for pastoral emergencies. Next Sunday we will have our traditional Kwanzaa celebration. And our Christmas Eve service is at 7pm, both in-person and on zoom, and will be livestreamed on Facebook.
