Luke 2:16-18 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them,

By now most of us have shared in the excitement of Christmas day. The opening of gifts, the festive dinner, visits with friends and family have been parts of the traditions that make up our celebrations. As we pause to reflect upon Christmas 2023, let us take a few moments to think of those in our church family, community and the world of which we are a part of. We pray that the message of peace on earth and goodwill to all has some place in this topsy-turvy time in which we live.

The shepherds of old went home to their families and communities to share what they had experienced - the announcement that God’s child had arrived to give hope to the world. They didn’t know how it would manifest itself in their lives but they believed in the message of the angels. May we feel that same presence and excitement in our lives and in our world as we reflect on this another Christmas day.

Prayer: Loving God, may the peace of Christ be in our hearts and actions throughout the year and like the shepherds of old may we share the good news of your love. Amen.

-The Rev. Byron Corkum