Advent Greetings and Blessings on This 22nd day of December!
Christmas is upon us and as we all know, our world looks and feels a little different this year. The past few months of living in the midst of a global pandemic has brought on a great deal of stress and anxiety, along with stories of courage and healing. As we continue to experience the effects of this virus, our worship life has shifted and morphed into something that was unexpected and now all too familiar.
This Christmas Eve we will once again gather, but this time virtually, to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the light of the world. We will sing, pray, light candles, and hear again the most magnificent story ever told. We will gather around simple things like bread and wine to remember who God is and who we are as God’s people. This Christmas will look and feel different, but at its heart we will still find God and God’s desire for our healing and wholeness.
As a part of worship, we will celebrate communion. Please have bread and wine or grape juice ready for that part of the service. We believe that when Christ promises to be present, we can count on him to be there. God made all of creation and called it good, to include the grain and grapes that are a part of the sacrament of Communion.
We will also light candles and join together in singing “Silent Night,” a cherished tradition. We have prepared candles for people to use in worship for this moment. On Wednesday, December 23rd, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, please come to Peace to pick up a candle. I would love to see y’all, hand you a candle, and wish you a Merry Christmas.
The powerful message of the Christmas Story, and the entirety of the Gospel, is that God chooses to be present in our lives, wherever we are. This current moment in our history will pass and one day (hopefully soon) we can return to gathering in person.
My prayers continue to be with everyone during these uncharted days. Know that there is hope, as John writes in his Gospel: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it (John 1:5).”
Blessings during this season of celebration. May hope be kindled in your hearts. May the presence of God grace your gatherings.
May the light of Christ brighten your days.
May the power of the Holy Spirit guide you into a new year full of possibilities.
Peace and Merry Christmas,
Pastor Travis Meier
