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Beloved Community,
Merry Christmas! It was so good to see so many of you at our Christmas services this past weekend. Although I know that coming to church is only one measure of the health and vitality of the parish, it is a significant one for several reasons, not the least of which is that it is the way in which we are reminded that we are part of something bigger than our selves. And, quite selfishly, it makes my heart sing to see you. You are the greatest gift of this parish - your faithfulness and your dazzling generosity with each other and the wider community. You are the people who embody my hope for the Church and the world.
As I think you know, another way that I am reminded that I am part of something bigger than this little part of the world in which I live my life and my faith, is through poetry. So now I share with you one of my favorite Christmas poems by one of my favorite poets and a fellow Episcopalian, Madelaine L'Engle:
First Coming
He did not wait till the world was ready,
till men and nations were at peace
He came when the Heavens were unsteady
and prisoners cried out for release.
He did not wait for the perfect time.
He came when the need was deep and great.
He dined with sinners in all their grime,
turned water into wine. He did not wait
till hearts were pure. In joy he came
to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.
To a world like ours, of anguished shame
He came, and his Light would not go out.
He came to a world which did not mesh,
to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.
In the mystery of the Word made Flesh
the Maker of the stars was born.
We cannot wait till the world is sane
to raise our songs with joyful voice,
for to share our grief, to touch our pain,
He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!
Wishing you a blessed Christmastide, including a Happy New Year.
Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
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