Midweek Message December 25

Greetings on this special Christmas Day Beloveds! 

Whether your family celebrates this holiday or not it is my hope you can spend today surrounded by family- given or chosen, friends, and, if you’re anything like my family, comfy cozy in your pajamas from dawn ‘til dusk. 

If you are one of the precious spirits having to work today in order to keep our community running, healthcare workers, emergency response members, plumbers and electricians, gas station employees and more- I am holding you in my heart today with immense gratitude for the sacrifices you make as you care for us and our neighbors. May you stay warm and well-fed on your undoubtedly long shifts. 

And if you are spending this day alone or missing someone special- it is my hope that you feel the love of your congregation as we wrap our arms around you. I invite you to do something today to care for yourself like watching a favorite movie or making your favorite meal. 

May you rest both body and spirit this day for each of us, no matter our circumstance, is called to work tomorrow. Not to our careers, per say, but rather to do The Work of Christmas, as outlined by the famous poem of the same name by Howard Thurmond:

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 the people,

To make music in the heart. 

Thurmond has charged us with a tall order here. Remember it does not all rest on your lone shoulders dear ones. Inch by inch, day by day, together with courage and love in our hearts- we can move mountains. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years, 

Rev. Charlotte