Merry Christmas Eve, everyone! Like so many other people I know, I’ve been sick this week–but thankfully it’s nothing severe. I’m on the mend and looking forward to upcoming times of worship and with family. Also the pumpkin pie.

For any of you who don’t have a community to worship with this weekend, you are wholeheartedly welcome to join us at Peace Mennonite: 7 p.m. tonight (12/24/22) and 10:30 a.m. tomorrow (Christmas 2022!). You can watch tonight’s service on Zoom and tomorrow will be Zoom-only worship. Here’s the Zoom link.

I pray that you each receive whatever it is you need from this season, whether it’s worship, family time, pumpkin pie, or something else. I pray for you this blessing (from tonight’s service):

May you carry with you the wonders of the sacred Christmas story:

The unconventional hospitality of the manger,

The painful joy of new birth,

The fearful awe of encountering angels,

The surprising presence of God in the swaddled Christ child.

Go now in the hope of God,

The peace of Christ,

And the joy of the Spirit.

Know that on this holy night and always,

The Divine Love goes with you.

Amen.