FROM OUR PASTOR:

             "Unto us a child is born."  The same risk Abraham took in going out into the world, God took-and more-coming into it.  So what shall we say this Advent: a risk for a risk, a birth for us, a rebirth for God?  But let us be clear: the point of a rebirth is not to stay young, but to grow up.  The point of a rebirth is to claim, as did Abraham, his God-given freedom: the freedom, at last, to rise above the moral squalor of prevailing opportunism; at last, no longer to render everything to Caesar; at last, no longer to acquiesce passively in evil (an acquiescence we often dignify in private life with the word "patience," and in public life with the word "patriotism.") But passive acquiescence in evil represents only one thing: the sin of cowardice.

            What do you make of this statement from Mr. Coffin?  Here we are on the eve of the Advent season, soon Christmas eve, then Christmas - birth of the Christ Child, Wonderful songs will be sung, there will be all kind of family and friends gathering over all kinds of foods, Christmas carols and, if we are fortunate {for those who like snow}, a white Christmas.

            "unto us a child is born."  This child came bearing the gift of freedom from sin and evil thus our "rebirth".  The question we need to consider is:  are we courageous with our new life or do we hide it away?  The Christ child has come to us - but now what?

            Finally one more thought from Coffin which should cause us to think hard about this Christmas season soon upon us.

            The Christmas story, more than any other in the Bible, shows us that we are going to be helped by God's powerlessness - or God's love - not by God's power.  The Christmas story shows us that God had to come to earth as the child of Joseph and Mary because freedom for the beloved demands equality with the beloved.

            "Unto us a child is born" what does that mean to you, what difference does that make to your neighbor, the stranger, the world?  I wish and pray for you all a most meaningful rebirth this Advent season.  I pray that as you move through this Christmas season the "powerlessness of God's love" will be cause for you to experience a renewed faith and commitment to do all in your power that the Good News be not only proclaimed but acted out each day of your life in the New Year.

            When you tell God Thanks on a daily basis you find you receive more in return, you become a cheerful witness to others and you never forget what a gift God has given you.  It's like communion for the first time and you know "The Body" is in your presence.  I'll be looking for you in the worshipping body on Sunday.

                                                               Christmas blessings &
                                                               Shalom for the New Year,

                                                               Rev. Chuck