12/22/2017
A special note from our Chaplain as he reflects on the Christmas season.
Luke 1:39-45
Mary set out in those days and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."
Mary, whom the early Christian looked to as a role model for the way she said “yes” to God, goes to visit her cousin, Elizabeth. Quite a journey for a pregnant mother to be, and yet family and friends often “do” for each other, all year long. Important events take place in our homes, where great love is shown to those in need of care. Though these can be challenging times for us, they can also be very sacred times, as we draw closer to those we love and do for them as we wish others would do for us.
I’m never surprised that family members and friends are taking care of business, caring for each other and their families, and reaching out to others in need.
So I invite all of us to take a moment and reflect on who we are journeying to meet, whether it’s family members or friends, what is being born in us and brought forth, this Christmas & New Year, and what is bringing us joy?
My hope for each of us is that we are finding joy in being alive, in service to family, friends and others, in the little parts of each day that make us smile. May the God of grace, hope, joy, and peace be with us as we celebrate and as we live in gratitude.
The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light; and on those who dwell in endless gloom, a light has shone.
Isaiah 9:2
For a child is born this day, rejoice, rejoice! Daughter of Zion, awake, awake, the glory of God is near.
A safe, blessed, joyful, and restful Christmas to all of you! Peace in Him, our Peace.
MK