Christmas Eve 2014: A Pastor’s Reflections at Findlay

Christmas Eve 2014: A Pastor’s Reflections at Findlay

It was gray and cloudy –

Rain and wind were in the air,

As the people gathered,

Christ’s birth for to prepare.

On my first occasion

To celebrate in this place,

Faithful, joy-filled people came together,

Creating sacred space.

They came to hear the story

And some, to work to tell,

Of the child born to us,

The blessed Emmanuel.

At 5:30 families came

And each one played a part –

Shepherds, angels, kings and animals

Joined, creating worshipful art.

At 9 pm the church filled again,

Pipes and bells filled the air,

And choirs sang of Christ’s birthday

As the reverent joined in prayer.

And later, by candlelight we feasted

At Christ’s table set for all,

As students led in praise and worship,

To answer the Gospel’s call.

On this Christmas morning I reflect

On the blessings of this grace-filled year,

Of the varied losses, opportunities and changes

That have been faced without fear

Because of God’s love made manifest at Christmas

In a child of power, peace and grace.

As the year turns, may God grant us ways to share the Word,

So to make plain Christ’s face

To all in our community and world

Where good news is hard to find.

The blessings of this holy season be with us all,

And grace strengthen the ties that bind.