Christmas has come and gone and now our thoughts turn to the next

significant holiday of this season, New Year’s Day. Let’s forget about the parties

and gatherings that may occur on New Year’s Eve. Instead, think about the full

meaning of the New Year.

Despite all of the electronic gadgets that we may possess like smart phones,

tablets, e-readers, computer generated games, let alone computers in and of

themselves; we may have forgotten about a basic teaching tool that has been used

in many a classroom, the chalk board. Early versions of these boards were made

from slate. Many of us may have had the task of not only erasing what had been

written on these boards, but wiping them off for their next use.

The New Year marks a time to start with a clean slate. Put aside unfulfilled

intentions, regrets for things not done or unkind words spoken. Part of starting

with a clean slate is to truly keep the resolutions that we have or may make as we

begin the New Year.

I would hope and pray that you might consider the ways in which you can be

more faithful to what God has called you to do: joining regularly with His church

family in worship and prayer; making time to spend some moments reading His

word; reaching out to those whose needs are going unmet; extending a welcoming

invitation to your neighbors and friends to join you in worship.

Certainly, the opportunities and the list could continue. I entrust that each of

you will start with your own clean slate.

Pastor Nik

The word for this week of Christmas is encounter. For weeks now we have

been preparing, anticipating, expecting. Those preparations may have involved

shopping, decorating, having fellowship with different groups. All of this leads up to

what occurs this week.

Over the past four weeks we have lighted the four candles on the Advent

Wreath; the first symbolizing prophecy; the second symbolizing Bethlehem; the

third symbolizing the Shepherds, and the fourth symbolizing the glorious message

of the angels

One candle remains to be lighted on Christmas Eve, the Christ Candle. I pray

that you will carve out some time to join us as we hear the story, relight the Advent

Candles, and end as we all light our own candles after we have partaken of the

sacred emblems of Holy Communion.

May your own hearts and spirits truly encounter the babe in a manger who

becomes the Savior of the world.

The words of the following carol say it best:

What Child is this, who, laid to rest,

On Mary’s lap is sleeping,

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this id Christ the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;

Haste, haste to bring him laud,

The babe, the son of

Pastor Nik