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Message from the Minister for Christmas:
 
Well, doesn't everyone need some good news?     (Luke 2:1-20)
 
There's nothing like 'good news!'
 
When I read the message off of our website a couple of weeks ago, it could have sent me 'flying through Christmas'.
 
I received a message from Gladys, one of the folks that dealt with the sponsorship of a Syrian family for the former Seaway Valley Presbytery. She told us how both Faiez (dad) and Frial (mom) are managing their family and careers. Faiez has started his own business; Frial is a mix of homemaker, part-time worker in a seniors' facility, and some volunteer work. Their children are doing great. What a turnabout for a family that was physically running away from a burning Syria.
 
The people in Jesus' day hadn't seen any good news in a long time. They lived in such a stranglehold between their government and religion, a deep depression hung over the known world. For years they heard a messiah was coming, but when, and what really should you believe?
 
Finally, the time was right - just like it was for Frial and Faiez. For Mary and Joseph, the timing wasn't good; a stable with animals wasn't any place to birth a baby.
 
God's communications to announce a Saviour was a bright light in the sky and a revelation to people working overnight in a field - shepherds. They were the ones to follow the star and make sure that this child would be safe and warm and therefore, loved.
 
It's been tough living through COVID-19, but we have to admit that in these somewhat dark times, a little good news goes a long way. Read this good news, again and again, to remind ourselves that Christ's birth was and is the good news of great joy for all the people.
 
Have a wonderful Christmas. May the Christ-child be made present in your hearts this season.
 
Another servant of Christ,
 
Rev. Phyllis 
 

 

The Genesis Cooperative Community of the United Church of Canada
Consisting of congregations from Cassburn, Trinity Vankleek Hill, Kirk Hill, Pendleton