"Are you willing to forget what you have done for other people, and to remember what other people have done for you ... to remember the weakness and loneliness of people who are growing old ... Are you willing to believe that love is the strongest thing in the world ... stronger than hate, stronger than evil, stronger than death... Then you can keep Christmas! But you can never keep it alone." --Henry van Dyke ("Keeping Christmas")
For me Christmas has always been about returning to innocence. About letting go of maturity and seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child. I know that sounds a bit ridiculous, but perhaps that's why I like it so much, it reminds me of Christmas!
I pray that sometime during this festive Christ-Centered Season, you will find space to let God be born in your world. Carve out a few precious moments and listen for Angels singing. Take a step back and see all that you already possess, your health, your family and your faith and then let God use them for a noble purpose.
May each day of your Christmas be filled with peace, and may God's love light your way through the new year. Thinking of you and wishing you His blessing always.
The Lord will bless his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11)
I wanted to tell you, Pastor Steve, how much I appreciate all that you do and what a difference you make in so many lives! Bless you and your family, our UMC family and all those who are lonely or hurting this Christmas season.