Musings Along Life's Way: Repeat the Sounding Joy!

"Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of a great joy for all the people."-Luke 1:10

See the two side of the angel's announcement? To a world plagued by oppression and injustice, a world permeated by fear, the angel says there is an end to fear. This echoes Jesus' own proclamation at the beginning of his ministry. There is no reason to fear for, as Jesus says, quoting Isaiah:

18"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

There is no reason to fear, for in Christ, this baby who had his start in a cow's stable, all are set free. So, the freedom that we know in Jesus opens us to a life freely and richly experienced. But, not only that, it is like the carol suggests, "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight." Big question: What of my fear? An even bigger answer: Christ was born for you. You are free for hope, love, peace and joy apart from all fear.

So, let's gather this weekend around the manger bed, opening our hearts to this miracle that has been accomplished for us. Let's recall that Jesus is born for each one of us, and for us all. Let's recall that as we accept this profound gift of love, we become who we are, free and unafraid. In our freedom then we are called to do the same for others: proclaim the gospel: God's radical love is for all!

Sunday, December 23: worship with us either at 8:30 or 10:30 am. Lots of Christmas Carols, tons of Joy!

Monday, December 24: Join us for Christmas Eve Worship at 5 pm. Our children will present the Christmas story. We will enjoy Christmas in candlelight.

Love at Christmas, David

Musings Along Life's Way: Repeat the Sounding Joy!

Dear Friends,
This Advent our theme has been "Repeat the Sounding Joy!" So far, we have seen the joy of God-with-us resounding in the words of Mary and her cousin Elizabeth; with Mary we have received a visit from the angel Gabriel announcing the coming of Jesus to the world. God's joy resounds. This Sunday, at 10:30 worship the Chancel Choir will proclaim the good news of Christ's coming in a Cantata by Joseph Martin, "Season of Wonders: Celebrating the Miracle of Christmas." The choir has been practicing for months. Our attendance this Sunday will show them that we support and appreciate their contribution to the life of our community. Also, we will receive new members at this service (also at the 8:30 service). Truly, in our life together as Christ's community we are aware of God's resounding joy reverberating through our worship and our lives.

Blessings

PS -- Bring finger food to share with our new members and celebrate the Choir Cantata.

Musings Along Life's Way: Repeat the Sounding Joy!

When it's over, I want to say: all my life
I was a bride married to amazement
I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms.

-Mary Oliver, When Death Comes

Mary says, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” The poet, Mary Oliver, writes, “When it’s over, I want to say: all my life I was a bride married to amazement.” I find all the hope I need in those words.

I love to be amazed. The sun sets, fire red on the horizon, and I lose myself in its beauty. A child comes up to give a hug, and I’m transformed. Where before I met the world with a grunt, now, because small arms reached around as far as they could reach, I greet the world with joy. Awe and wonder take us home to God. So, Mary, telling her cousin Elizabeth of her life blessed by God, says, “my soul magnifies the Lord.” New life, hope, joy, awe and wonder – Mary is just overfull. See how the good news of Emmanuel (God with us) pours out of her onto Elizabeth. See how the blessing is magnified, multiplies and touches many. See how even 2000 plus years later Mary’s magnifcat streams into our hearts and lives, lifting us into the possibility of new life, giving us as one presidential candidate is wont to say, “the audacity of hope.”

Blessings, David