December 2012

“CARING FOR THE SOUL OF THE CITY”

Christmas forecast.

This will be a time of mixed emotions for many of us.

This season can be fraught with depression, stress and anxiety.  The universal pressures often include relational issues and economic strain. Some feel friend and family overload ,while others experience intense loneliness. Some folks can’t wait to see everyone and others dread the thought.  Likely for each person who is looking forward to Christmas, there is one who will be relieved when it’s all over!

Common questions include: Who do we invite?  Where do we go?  What do we do? How do we pay for it? Why are we doing this?

The prophet Isaiah reminds the world of the reason to celebrate Christmas.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6

All of a sudden, Christmas is not all about us but rather about something that is much bigger and more powerful. The Son who is given offers peace to all.  And this Everlasting Father loves and cares for all, everywhere.  Maybe we all could use a Wonderful Counselor in the midst of this season and for the New Year to come.

The faith community is not immune to the issues and questions raised above. If our Christmas embraces the advent and birth of Jesus, then quite possibly this way of celebrating can help us put everything else in perspective.

What kind of Christmas are we expecting this year ? And how will we weather it?

Merry Christmas.


Tom                                                                                                                                     Volume 21 Issue 5
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