Open Letter from Rev. Clarence, 12/26/22

Dear Members and Friends of St. James,

It is my hope that, even as you prepared for and basked with others in the joy of the annual celebration of the birth of Jesus, you have been able to steal for yourself some “alone time,” during which you might reflect on the intervention of the Divine Being into your own life.  This is the teaser which I pass on to you regarding my reflections at Eucharist on Christmas Eve, hereto attached.  Our shared celebration, despite the cold weather, was a joyful one, enhanced by the uplifting music provided by our talented young musicians and by the seasonal decoration provided by many of you through your financial contribution and the communal “greening of the Church” on the Fourth Sunday of Advent.

The peace which the birth of Christ offers, continues to elude us in our world, and so it is that I bid you, of your charity, to be diligent in your prayers to Almighty God, that we may be reinvigorated to offer not only prayers, but means by which the words and deeds of the Prince of Peace may be actualized in our own time.

Attached to our traditional Anglican Benediction, is a brief prayer whose formulation I chanced upon, but whose content is found in Holy Scripture:

May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the Magi, and the peace of the Christ Child; and May the Peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be with you and those whom you love, this day and always.  Amen.

Your fellow traveler on The Way,
CEB+
Priest