Dear Friends,
Christmas is near. In a capitalistic society, we often act as consumers, and every event tends to become a transaction of buying and selling. We are aware of how the Christmas season has become commercialized. Yet, the true spirit of the season is to remember the birth of Jesus and the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love that God has blessed us with, despite the hopelessness, violence, darkness, and suffering we witness in the world.
Christmas is a season that reminds us—and each other—that we are not alone and that God has not given up on us. Christ invites us to be followers, pilgrims, and disciples, pursuing and seeking the ways of God’s love and compassion. During this season, let us pause and reflect on who we are and what we do.
I am fully aware of the challenges many of us are facing, but may we never lose the gifts of courage, love, resilience, hope, and kindness that God has planted in our hearts. We are God’s people. During this Christmas season, may we celebrate who we are in the eyes of God.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. May God’s peace dwell in our hearts and in the world.
Some events in December to help deepen our connection with Christ:
| Sun., Dec. 15 | 3rd Advent Sunday (Celebrating the Gift of Joy) |
| Wed., Dec. 18 | Caregiver Support Group at 10 AM |
| Wed., Dec. 18 | Grief Support Group at 7 PM |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | Longest Night Service, 7:30 PM |
| Sun., Dec. 22 | Lessons & Carols with Sunday School Participation |
| Tues., Dec. 24 | Christmas Eve Celebration (Choir, Bells, Prayers, Scriptures, and Candles), 7 PM |
—Rev. Chuck Moon
A version of this message appeared in the Saturday, December 14, 2024, edition of Tidbits.