Happy New Year

 I came that they might have life and have it abundantly.

John 10:10, NRSV
 
The new year is often a time when we set new year’s resolutions. When I was growing up, popular culture would always remind me that January 1st is the time to turn a critical lens on every aspect of my life. Whether it was my home, my finances, or my own body, it was time to list what was wrong and make a plan to fix it.
 
It doesn’t take long to realize that starting from a place of negativity–being constantly critical of yourself–makes our own noble goals doomed to failure. For all the ills that it has brought on our society, one positive product of social media is allowing people of different body types, income levels, and lifestyles to have a significant influence on my life. Through social media I follow parents who remind each other that we clean our homes because we love ourselves and our families (not because we’re disgusting slobs if we don’t). I follow people who saute up a tasty meal because it makes them feel good (not only because it satisfies a certain calorie goal). I follow people who find joy in consuming less, and who also give themselves grace if they don’t always meet their own standards. I’m reminded that focusing on life gives us life, which is exactly what our tradition believes about Jesus. Jesus came not to condemn but to uplift. As we step boldly into 2023 I’m grateful that the God who came to earth in human form, who at Easter proves that life always wins, is the God who fills our hearts and goals with abundant life.
 
Ginny Chilton

God comes down that we may rise

Dear friends,

I love Christmas carols.  Despite my lack of singing ability, I have many happy memories of caroling with friends and family in my childhood Pittsburgh neighborhood and later in the hill towns of western Massachusetts.  I gladly added my warble to the joyous blend of voices, singing the familiar words with gusto.  I still do (while, blessedly, our hard-working sound technicians make sure my microphone is muted!).
 
Our hymnal, which is arranged by season and theme, has a “Christmas” section (hymns 77 to 115).  In addition to beloved carols, it contains Christmas hymns that may be completely unfamiliar to you.  One such hymn, I’m guessing, is Sing, O sing, this blessed morn (#88).  In its third verse, it encapsulates the whole story and purpose of Jesus’ life in 26 words:

God comes down that we may rise, lifted by him to the skies;
Christ is born for us that we born again in him may be.
 
The tender, touching account of Jesus’ birth that we celebrate each December is only half of our story as Christians.  The full significance of his birth becomes most apparent in his death and resurrection.  This Child of whom we sing was born to suffer, and to save.  That was good news 2000 years ago, when God took on human flesh and entered our broken, sinful world as a helpless infant living in dark times.  And it is good news to us today, in our own dark times. 
 
I look forward to celebrating with you God’s gracious coming down into our midst, and I very much hope that you will take part in one or more of our upcoming Christmas services:

• Christmas Eve Family Service, December 24 at 4:30 PM with Children’s Pageant, Festival Eucharist, and Candle-lighting
• December 25 at 10:30 AM, at which The Rev. Phillip Shearin and parishioners from St. George’s and St. Augustine’s will be joining us for Christmas Day Eucharist
• January 1 at 10:30 AMService of Lessons and Carols

As is customary here at St. Andrew’s, there will be special Christmas offering again this year. There will be Christmas offering envelopes available in the church beginning this Sunday. You may also give online by clicking here.
 
I hope that your Christmas celebration this year will be a happy one.  Even more, I pray that this holy season will remind you once again of the central truth of the Incarnation:  God comes down that we may rise. 
 
Blessings and love.  -- Anne

The real meaning of Christmas

 Dear friends,

 As Advent gives way to Christmas, sometimes it’s nice just to have a little reminder about the real meaning of our preparations and celebrations:
 
Kneeling Santa Prayer
The sleigh was all packed, the reindeer were fed,
But Santa still knelt by the side of his bed,
"Dear Father, " he prayed, "Be with me tonight.
There's much work to do and my schedule is tight.
My sack will hold toys to grant all kids' wishes.
The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.
I can do all these things, Lord, only through You.
I just need your blessing, then it's easy to do.
I do this only to honor the birth of the One,
That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.
So to all of my friends, lest Your glory I rob,
Please, Lord, remind them who gave me this job."

-- Marc