As we enter Christmas Eve, there is a hushed stillness over our community. While we certainly intend to commemorate the most holy of days on Sunday, there is an emptiness in our hearts from the recent, tragic events here.
Our Heavenly Father is the only one who can fill that space. It is our prayer that the heart of each and every person in our community will be opened wide to receive the steadfast love for all of us, His children. From those of us who celebrate with riches and wine and tables laden with food, to those of us who expect nothing and have nothing special at this time of the year, to those of us who don’t even know that it is Christmas, open wide and be filled with the spirit of loving kindness and the promise that there is much, much more beyond this world.
As we recall the story of a poor child born in a manger on a starry night over 2,000 years ago, let’s not forget that He would grow into a young man, a teacher, a leader, who would ultimately die for all us sinners and rise again. Some sweet day He will return to take his followers home where we will be reunited with our loved ones who’ve gone before.
It is our hope that we can make time to be quiet and still during this Christmas weekend, and remember why we celebrate. It’s important that we feel united as a community, pledged to remain strong and filled with grace.
We wish everyone in our community a peaceful, meaningful Christmas. Be safe and love one another.