Greetings in Christ’s name!

Luke’s gospel tells us that after finding Mary, Joseph and the baby lying in the manger, the shepherds “reported what they had been told about this child.”  Then, they “returned home, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.”  I’ve often wondered what it was like for those shepherds to return to their homes and their jobs after such an exciting night with angels and animals and a newborn and all. 

For many of us, there is always a bit of a let down after Christmas.  We’ve spent the last month anticipating the arrival of the Christ-child and have celebrated his birth with wonderful worship and of course, by sharing special time with family and friends.  And now the New Year has arrived.  The packages have stopped arriving on our porches.  The Christmas music has faded into the recent past.  The gatherings and special events are no more.  And soon, if not already, we will return to work and school and the routines of what seems normal again.  But I wonder if we can take a cue from the shepherds in Luke’s story?  When they went home, they did so “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.”  Perhaps they can serve as an example for us as we return to our work, schools and routines.  Perhaps we can return also glorifying and praising God for all that we’ve experienced, heard and seen during this Advent Season and celebration of Jesus’s birth.  We sometimes sing “Go Tell it on the Mountain” during Christmas time.  We don’t have mountains nearby, but we could still tell others about Jesus.  We could still go back to our routines while praising God and telling others about God’s great and generous gift to us all.  As we start this new year, let’s follow the shepherds’ example and offer our praises to God through our lives and with our voices. 

This Week:

Our Shower Ministry team is always in need of donations, but when it’s cold, they especially need socks, shoes, coats and hats.  If you can donate, please drop your donations on the Friends Center porch.  Monday morning is an ideal time to receive your gifts.

We delivered several loads of food to Mary Queen Catholic Church for their food pantry!  Thanks to all of you who generously participated in our food drive and thanks to Carter Powell for getting it all over to Mary Queen!

Go with God, who fuels our hopes and quiets our fears everywhere and always.

Peace,

David Bridges