Merry Christmas from Chuckatuck in the middle of winter storm Elliot. We have been blasted by single-digit weather and 30-50 mph winds over the past couple days. It makes the Christmas season in a colonial church a bit brisk. Thankfully we have been blessed with a wonderful worship and the presence of youngsters in worship – the sound of hope and new life in this season where we celebrate the new life found in Jesus. May you and your families be blessed this holiday season and in the coming year. Grace and blessings to you all.
In worship we were invited to remember the brightness that was born that first Christmas day when Jesus was born to Mary. We are reminded that Jesus is both a mystery and miraculous for humanity. The Prophet Isaiah in Hebrew Scripture tells the story that the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. That the light who has come into the world will save humanity from their sin. Our Savior works out of zeal and not out of a perfect relationship. Our Psalmist sings a song that reminds us to sing a new song to God and to ascribe everything of worth to God alone. The Epistle was from Paul’s letter to Titus and served as a reminder that God’s appearance is the thing that brings salvation to everyone and all things.
Our sermon was based on the sermon from Luke and the story of Jesus’ birth. In the gospel we are told about the interaction between the angels and the shepherds – the announcement of Jesus’ birth. Coupled with this is the story of Jesus’ birth to Mary. We are invited to look for what is missing and what is hiding in plain sight to find the miraculous given to creation hidden in the mundane experiences of life. God’s invitation is to search for God’s miraculous presence, often hidden in the day-to-day experience of life.
I invite your comments,
Les+
Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20
Video of worship: https://youtu.be/9JeTh81nT-o
Video of sermon: https://youtu.be/M7ZP9bDCtB8
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