Dearly beloved,

The time has indeed drawn nigh and the celebration of God-with-us/Emmanuel is here! All the planning and preparation culminates as we gather in worship to mark the arrival of Love Incarnate.

It is a familiar story that many could recite from heart just as Linus does in the Peanuts Christmas special. Hearing the story again and again, we are invited to marvel anew that God chose to reveal God’s love in such a vulnerable tiny child. One born into the midst of the harshness of this world and yet filled all with awe that love shone so brightly in that Bethlehem sky.

As we ponder anew this story of love that comes into our midst, here is a poem/prayer that invites us to come and kneel in Bethlehem.

What Do I Want for Christmas
What do I want for Christmas?
I want to kneel in Bethlehem,
the air thick with alleluias,
the angels singing
that God is born among us.
In the light of the Star,
I want to see them come,
the wise and the humble.
I want to see them come
bearing whatever they treasure
to lay at the feet
of him who gives his life.

What do I want for Christmas?
To see in that stable
the whole world kneeling in thanks
for a promise kept:
new life.
For in his nativity
we find ours.
– Ann Weems, Kneeling in Bethlehem

peace in Christ,
Pastor Jen