Dearly beloved,

Christmas arrives in less than a week!

Are you ready? Prepared? Anxious? Overwhelmed? Need more time? Need to somehow “feel” more Christmasy?

The celebration of Christmas comes with so many expectations about how we should celebrate and how we should feel. Often people will try to manufacture what they aren’t experiencing yet (a kind of “fake it till you make it”)

Yet, it is into our realities that Jesus was born. Not amidst ribbon & bows, flashing lights or even cookies (though cookies might help your mood).

One of the ways that we highlight this reality is through the Longest Night (Dec. 21st). While we will not be have a service this year, there is an opportunity to use some of the prayers and other available resources (see below) Share these with anyone who is going through a difficult time and needs some words of comfort and peace.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we always remember that he comes to where, who and how we are.

Peace & Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Jen

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)