“When the star in the sky is gone… the work of Christmas is begun!”
This morning there was a confluence of events that took me back in time… first, Facebook reminded me of words I shared on this day in 2015 and then, Paula Sears wrote to me about an individual she has been guarding as part of her duties in Clyde River Nunavut: a young woman with a history of incest, domestic violence, alcohol abuse and attempted suicide. Paula ended her sharing with “This young woman needs more than our prayers, she needs a miracle, but maybe if we do what we do best, it will be a start.”
My response to Paula included the following “I believe that your presence with her, listening and offering hope and affirmation is part of the miracle that might lead to a better life…” and then, I quoted the words to the song, I Am The Light of the World by Jim Strathdee Davis which is based on words originally penned by Howard Thurman
When the song of the angels is stilled. When the star in the sky is gone. When the kings and the shepherds have found their way home. The work of Christmas is begun!
I am the Light of the World You people come and follow me. If you follow and love, You’ll learn the mystery Of what you were meant to do and be.
To find the lost and lonely one, To heal that broken soul with love, To feed the hungry children with warmth and good food, To feel the earth below the sky above!
To free the prisoner from all chains, To make the powerful care, To rebuild the nations with strength and goodwill, To see God’s children everywhere.
To bring hope to every task you do, To dance at a baby’s new birth, To make music in an old person’s heart, And sing to the colors of the earth!
The mystery of Christmas is God/Light/Love dwelling within us and among us! May it be so for you. Might you see God/Light/Love in others and so share it with all!
Merry Christmas Lloyd
Our Christmas Eve Services are as follows. I hope to see you at one (or more) of services!
4PM (Sackville United Church) A Christmas Story for Little Ones
7PM (Sackville United Church) A Family Christmas Eve Celebration
9PM (Upper Sackville United Church) Candlelight Christmas Eve with Communion
11PM (Sackville United Church) A Christmas Vigil
There are no services at either point on Christmas Day. It is our hope and prayer that this day is one of community and celebration for you with those you love.
We will next gather on Sunday December 30th, 9AM at Upper Sackville and 11AM at Sackville United Churches.
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