Happy New Year! I pray that each of you experienced special moments of God’s peace and presence during Advent, and that as Christmastide continues through Epiphany on January 6, you might still be attentive to God’s light shining in the darkness. For pastors—and probably for many of the rest of you the weeks after Christmas are a recovery period from the demands of a busy season. I am grateful for a few days away with my family between Christmas and New Year’s. We always travel to Grand Rapids, which becomes the hub for our family scattered throughout the state of Michigan. (Despite our invitations over the past 17 years, nobody seems interested in spending their holiday with us in Hoopeston!) It’s just as well though, because Grand Rapids has wonderful restaurants and a huge variety of options for entertainment and outdoor activities. As my daughters attempt downhill skiing for the first time this year, I will relax in the warmth of the ski lodge with a good book. Careening down a snowy mountain (or, in my case, tumbling down the bunny hill) is not my idea of a good time. I know my limits! I am grateful for the hospitality you have extended during my first six weeks here—for the meals out, the lovely cards and notes, so many Christmas gifts left on my desk (many from “Secret Santas”), the words of affirmation, and the warm welcome you gave my daughters when they visited. Thank you too for the delightful staff lunch you provided and for including me in the staff Christmas gift. New beginnings are energizing and hopeful for me, so I am looking forward to 2017, and especially to how we might learn and grow, worship and serve together. As the poem below reminds us, the work of Christmas continues, even as the nativities are packed away until next year.
The Work of Christmas By Howard Thurman
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 people,
To make MUSIC in the HEART.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Ann