A Christmas Blessing

Throughout this season of Advent, we have read, sung, and prayed the words of Luke in churches, homes, and communities:

“Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among all with whom he is pleased!’” (Luke 2:13-14)

Is there any cry mightier than the cry for peace?

It is my sincere prayer that as you worship with family and friends, retelling the Christmas story, you will be reminded that what we are doing is offering praise to our newborn King, Emmanuel, God-with-us.

God is indeed with us – this Christ child comes to us, enabling us to share the love of God, to participate in God’s redemptive work on earth, as it is in Heaven. The birth of Jesus is a sign that all creation will be made new, that the light will overcome the darkness, that peace will reign. This is the hymn of the angels, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace” – not just for us alone – but for the whole earth: peace.

As we tell the story of Jesus’ birth, may we give thanks like the angels that peace has come to calm the wild chaos of our world; hope has come to overcome our despair; joy has triumphed over desolation, and love has come to drive out hate.

In our daily work of recovery, may we light candles for this peace.

As Howard Thurman writes:

I will light candles this Christmas
Candles of joy, despite all the sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch.
Candles of courage where fear is ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens.
Candles of love to inspire all my living.
Candles that will burn all the yearlong.

I am honored to be your chaplain, your “disaster pastor,” and to do this work of recovery alongside each of you.

May the hope, love, peace, and joy of the Christ child reign in your hearts this Christmas and always!

Chaplain Amy