Grace and Peace to You this Holiday Season!
As the world bustles around you in search of love and meaning, may your heart rejoice with the true love of Christmas. May the coming of God's light fill you with unquenchable hope and bring you moments of inexpressible joy that fills your heart with peace and love.
I thank God for all the ways you have supported First United Methodist Church and its mission to make more people aware of Christ's coming, ministry, and mission throughout the year. I thank God for the many hands and feet that have been the apostles, saints, and disciples of this generation through whom God has worked to bring eternal life and hope to our families and friends. Your labor continues to bear fruit in countless way.
I thank God for the many saints I have been privileged to know and serve but who now rested from their labor and belong to the ages. They have been a great source of wisdom and grace and I will miss them deeply.
As you gather with your family and friends over the next several days, remember the joy of this day and the promise it holds for the days that are yet to come. Jesus said, "take heart for I have overcome the world." [John 16:33]
As we move into 2011, I pray that God's love astounds and awes you even more with new insights into the power of transforming grace, new opportunities to practice being Christian, and new moments of humility and gratitude.
So this Christmas, I pray that the Reign of Christ, the Love of God and the Passion of the Holy Spirit permeates every area of your life and bring you peace, now and always.
Blessings,
Steve