Between Sundays for Week of December 26, 2022
Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)
The Messiah, the Lord, Jesus, Emmanuel, whose name means “the one who saves is with us” as Pastor Amy reminded us on the fourth Sunday of Advent (listen to Episode 62 if you missed it!) – this one for whom we have waited is here! This is good news of great joy for ALL people. But does that include me?
Sometimes, general announcements can feel like they are for everyone and no one at the same time. They can go in one ear and out the other, washing over us without really landing. When the hub-bub is over, it can feel like we’re back to reality and nothing at all has changed. But the rest of the angel’s message makes all the difference. To YOU is born this day…the Messiah, the Lord, Jesus, Emmanuel.
On this second day of Christmas, we invite you to pause and to receive the gift that the angel’s message is for you.
- Listen to the songs of the season from our Presbyterian brothers and sisters in Christ, who put together this lovely “Sleigh Ride through the Carols”
- Celebrate the full Twelve Days of Christmas with this calendar that provides a short Scripture reading and simple activity. Great for the whole family!
- Reflect on the One who has drawn near in this poem, or listen to Pastor Amy’s reflection on Episode 63 of the podcast.
Above all, know that you are loved by the One who was and who is and who is to come, the Word made flesh, Emmanuel.
Merry Christmas! In the midst of the 12 days of Christmas, Amy welcomes you into a moment of quiet and stillness as she shares her reflection on the poem “Christmas Light” by May Sarton. (If you were a fan of Amy’s pandemic poem reflections, you’ll appreciate this episode!) Subscribe to The Word wherever you find podcasts to get each new episode.
Ponderings
“A tremendous spiritual event then took place. . . . But there was little to show for it on the surface of life. All men saw was a poor girl unconditionally submitted to God’s Will, and a baby born in difficult circumstances. And this contrast between the outward appearance and the inner reality is true of all the comings of God to us. We must be very loving and very alert if we want to recognize them in their earthly disguise. Again and again he comes and the revelation is not a bit what we expect” (Fruits of the Spirit, Harrisburg, PA: Morehouse Publishing, 1989, p. 49)
