As the flicker of the candles on Christmas Eve still lingers and the hymnody of carols roll through my head, I can’t get out of my mind how peaceful it was to be surrounded with many of you, your families, and guests over the Christmas holiday. It was so calming to light the candles, sing Silent Night, Holy Night, and be still. I appreciate the silence, while taking in the peacefulness of our worship and the silence of the dancing light all aglow!
In the New Year, we will continue our worship of the Christ child. Which bids the question – what do Magi and Baptism have in common? Okay, really not all that much, but we will be celebrating the festival day of Epiphany (Jan 5) as we remember the star that signaled Jesus birth in Bethlehem and led the Magi to Jesus. Then, we will celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord (Jan 12) and how John the Baptist humbly baptized Jesus. These first two Sundays highlight these significant biblical stories that direct and connect us to Jesus.
I wish the 12 days of Christmas, the shortest season of the Church liturgical year, was longer. However, we have a great way to end the year and begin the New Year. Let us continue to remember and delve into the arrival of the Magi and John the Baptist in the New Year!
See you in Worship!
Christmas Blessings & Peace,
Pastor Nate