How the Light Comes

Post date: Dec 27, 2019 3:24:2 PM

Blessings of Christmas joy be with you!

What a beautiful Christmas Eve worship we had together. The music was stirring, both from our Handbell Choir, New Jericho Choir, and the Joyful Noise Adult Choir. 

But, the most wondrous moment of the evening is when the Christ Candle is lit, the light going outward, dispelling the darkness, and voices joining together in “Silent Night.” I hear from many of you that this is your favorite time of worship. It is for me too, but not necessarily because of candlelight and singing; rather, this point in worship brings me joy because of what I’m privileged to witness — your uplifted faces, radiantly bathed in Christ’s light. It is a holy perspective I wish all of you could see, for in that space the words of Jan Richardson’s blessing are incarnated in you: I cannot tell you how the light comes, but that it does. That it will. That it works its way into the deepest dark that enfolds you, though it may seem long ages in coming or arrive in a shape you did not foresee. And so may we this day turn ourselves toward it. May we lift our faces to let it find us. May we bend our bodies to follow the arc it makes. May we open and open more and open still to the blessed light that comes.

We are still in the season of Christmas so come this Sunday at 10:30 AM to continue opening to the Light of Christ. Nancy Coffin, Diane Grady, and Izaak Thorpe will be our featured soloists. Our worship will be one of hymns, songs, readings, and Scripture; but most importantly, will be filled with the joy the Christ Child brings.

As much as we are celebrating the joy of Christ’s birth right now, our congregation is also holding grief in our hearts as beloved MRC member Mark Generoso died the night of December 25th after a long battle with MS. Mark’s family wants to let you know that the viewing is at Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home on Sunday, December 29 from 2 - 4 PM and 7 - 9 PM. The funeral will be at our church on Monday, December 30 at 10 AM with a repast in the Education Building. Please join me in prayers of comfort for the Generoso family in this time of loss and sorrow. In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, Mark is now resting in peace, and he will — one day — rise in glory.

I look forward to welcoming you to God’s house on Sunday.

In gratitude for the privilege of being your Pastor and the holy call of loving you,

Pastor Trish