A Christmas Homily: 2011

2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light:
they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:2, 6 (KJV)

It is no secret this past year has been one fraught with disappointment, challenge and loss.  Many of you whom I commune with either in real life or via a shared virtual front porch have been touched in one way or another along these lines.  Some lost a job or are standing on the precipice; others find themselves relocated to distant shores, in new surroundings and few if any friends or family near; others face debilitating disease and a long haul to recovery and still others lost loved ones – parents, spouses, children or siblings.  All trying enough in normal times, doubly so in times like these.

As we enter this Christmastide, I know these and other concerns press close aboard,  and please know you all – by name or by reference, are in our thoughts and fervent prayers.  All of us in this house pray that you come into the peace and joy of the Christmas message and carry that into the new year.

May your Christmas be a blessed one and the new year bring peace and prosperity to you and your household.

w/r, SJS