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Dear Friends,
In winters gone by I have noticed that when the snow softly falls outside
my window, there is a sense of gentle peace that seems to surround the
house. Or maybe you’ve experienced a moment of inexplicable peace
outside when it is quiet and the night air is still. No matter how we
feel about snow, we experience from time to time, something special
that comes in those moments.
I imagine that there was a similar sense of peace that filled the air
after the birth of Jesus that night so long ago. No doubt, however,
that before His arrival there was anything but peace! The sense of chaos
in the crowds, the noise of trade people in the streets, the urgency
to find a safe place for Mary, all would have robbed any chance for
a peaceful moment or a sense of serenity. But, after all the necessary
preparations and the natural anxieties of birthing were over; after
the first newborn cries were quieted; after everyone and every creature
in the stable were stilled for the night, I can only imagine the peace
the enveloped that place.
I remember being in the stable with my horses at night after the chores
were done and the lights were out. I would listen to the gentle rhythm
of their breathing and rustle of their feet in the straw; it was peaceful
and calming. I imagine it was like that for the Holy Family but even
better.
Jesus brought with Him a peace that passes all understanding. We hear
of the fear and awe of the shepherds. Theirs was a fear born out of
events that were so out of the ordinary they were terrifying. And yet
I believe awe and bewilderment came, in the peace that surrounded them
when meeting the Christ child.
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As we prepare to meet
Jesus in His birth, my prayer for us, is to find that peace again and
again.
For those of us who are caught up in the hustle and bustle of all the
preparations for Christmas; may we be still.
For those of us who are uncertain in our faith journeys, may we find the
peace in the innermost of our hearts
For those of us who find Christmas difficult; perhaps because of uncertainty
of health or economics or through loss or separation from our loved ones;
may we find a peace that passes all understanding surrounding us.
May God’s blessings be with all of you at this holy and sacred time.
Bill, Kaiti, Carrie, Mike, Calvin and I wish each and every one a very
Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!
In the Peace of Christ,
Canon Linda
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