Christmas Eve, 2021
Dear Friends,
Our family has a tradition of selecting and harvesting a live fir tree to bring home and decorate with cherished ornaments that keeps old memories alive and forms new ones that we’ll look back on in future years. But it’s not just the beautiful tree, special decorations and family traditions that are important to me and my family this time of year. As people of faith, our relationship with God and the stories of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany keeps us grounded in the gifts and teachings of Jesus: Love and Hope, Peace and Joy. I can’t help but notice how these four gifts are also four things that we practice every day when we follow the words of Dr Bonnie Henry: Be Kind. Be Calm. Be Safe.
As church leaders and community of faith members, neighbours and strangers, I know that we are all feeling the effort that these days and months have required of us. I am thankful for you and your presence in our church and your communities and feel proud of the ways we all have come together, again and again. From supporting colleagues who are feeling the pressures of guiding communities of faith to being supported ourselves, from coming together as we can – online, masked, and socially distanced – to finding ways to celebrate our faith at home, from offering resources of time and money to receiving the gifts shared, to making time for prayer and reflection even when there seems to be no time for either, I am so grateful this year especially to be part of our United Church, with you.
May this note find you taking care of yourself and your loved ones as you rest into the traditions and practices that bring you joy and hope this season. May you trust in God who is always with us, and delight again in the story of our faith that tells of that very special, teensy tiny baby who moves us to grow our hearts and inspire peace.
Blessings,
