A prayer

Dec 18, 2014

by Rev. Patsy Henry, Harrowsmith-Verona Pastoral Charge

Last night as my family began turning off the lights and saying good night to each other, I glanced quickly out my window in the direction of the small shelter that houses our ducks and chickens. There it stood, in the midst of the blowing snow with the light of a single lamp glowing brightly from its window.

At that moment I found myself being taken back in time to the story of Bethlehem of long ago of a soon to be mother and father and their son yet to be born.

What a wonderful time of year this is! Yet in the midst of all our busy lives, we are reminded that the most important message of the Christmas season is that God is not a distant God. God is the One who comes in this Jesus born in a stable, determined to bind humanity together in love and concern for all people. Through the example of his life we are challenged to grow in spirit and in truth. In the midst of all life brings our way, the good, the bad and all that happens in between, the joy of this season is still present, shining bright through the opening of a stable door.

This world in which we live may not be as just, not as loving, not as whole as we wish it to be, but the coming of Jesus and his presence among us, as one of us, to teach and love us gives us reason to live in hope; hope that light will shatter the darkness of our fears and prejudices, promising us that we are never alone or abandoned by God. And so we sing of tidings of great joy which is to be for all people.

The heart of Christmas is the message of a gracious God who became one of us just to tell us how very much we are loved.

Such is the true joy is of Christmas, not the expensive gifts that demand our money and time. It is something we can offer simply and profoundly to others: with a smile a kind gesture, a little help, forgiveness. The more we spend in blessing those in need, the more of our heart’s wealth returns to make us glad.

My prayer for us all and for this world we live in is simply this:

May the forgiving Spirit of Jesus whose birth we celebrate rest upon the earth.

May hunger disappear and senseless acts of violence and hate and terrorism be forever halted.

May all people live in freedom, worshiping as they see fit, always extending a hand of love to others. May the everlasting peace of which the angels sang every reign supreme.

May the message of Spirit of Christmas, with its message of hope, peace, love and joy be with us all.

Merry Christmas, everyone.