Happy New Year to One and All:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; God has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion-to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display God’s glory.”   Isaiah 61: 1 - 3

For the past few weeks, we have been in this text with the expectation of

the birth of Jesus. Some theologians believe and suggest that the text was written specifically about Jesus. Isaiah was a prophet of God. But I like to also believe this was not just meant for the one divine human. Maybe, each of us is called and anointed to pick up the mantle and to help others in need.

If we genuinely believe in the real Christian understanding of Advent and Christmas, then maybe we should be a little softer, a little gentler, and little more compassionate toward each other?

Let me share this poem by Howard Thurman.

The Work of Christmas

“When the song of the angels is stilled,

When the star in the sky is gone,

When the kings and princes are home,

When the shepherds are back with their flock,

The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,

To heal the broken,

To feed the hungry,

To release the prisoner,

To rebuild the nations,

To bring peace among others,

To make music in the heart.

Go in hope, peace, joy, and love…to spread the beauty of Christmas.” 

May you be blessed to receive the Lord anew for your own well-being and salvation and the well-being and salvation of others. As you make your resolutions, prayerfully consider your church and what it needs. Take care of your health and your family. Take care of your neighbors. Take care of your environment. Take care of the church. May we all be blessed with the Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, of Advent and Christmas, all year long. Blessed 2024!

Peace,Reverend Cheryl Rieder

2024 MANTRA:  Jesus In – Satan Out!With your hands out in front of you and your palms up and open.

With deep breaths. Breath Jesus In and Satan Out.