A Christmas Message from Father Brian
Dear Emmanuel Friends and Christmas Seekers,
As Christmas comes again, I find myself pulled into the sacred magic that this story of Christ holds. No matter how old or jaded we may be, the story never fails to work its enchantment. Listen again, and hear what the angels are whispering to you.
"In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord'."
The Angel of God brings news that God is breaking into our world-order with immense power from another sphere. Everything depends on the Angel’s message about this life. We hear and know a message that brings everlasting hope, a revelation to live by as Christmas comes again.
It means that something wonderful has broken through to us from beyond ourselves and beyond fear—a truth that implies a certain and absolute God relationship of comfort, wonder and grace. As the Nicene Creed puts it,"God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God...Who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven." Came down—for us at Christmas. This miracle is sheer grace to be shared.
Come then, and join us on Christmas Eve at 6:00 pm for caroling, followed by a solemn Holy Eucharist at 6:30 pm.
Christmas Blessings,
Fr. Brian
