Each year, as we anticipate the birth of Christ, we often gather together with family and friends. It is in this season, some people’s days are filled with activity, while others experience silence. Some may gather in large groups and some may relish a smaller time with loved ones. And it is often the case, we remember in our grief those no longer with us. We also share in a collective grief this year that gatherings in homes and at church continue to be impacted by our global pandemic. People are weary of trying to outrun COVID, with some in our midst being caught by it. So as we gather in our worship here throughout the Christmas season, may we take moments of silence to remember Christmas’ in our past, the uniqueness of Christmas this year and hold in hearts hope that next Christmas our world is a little saner and the pandemic has waned. Until that time, I offer a prayer of gratitude the opportunity for our coming together, in the safest ways possible, to celebrate the birth of Christ into our midst full of expectation and hope.
Pastor Grace Anderson