Dear Ones,

For many of us this is usually a joyful time of year, as we anticipate seeing loved ones – especially children and grandchildren. In this global pandemic time the season is different this year. Few among us will be traveling or hosting out of town guests as we might have in the past. So we wait in lines at the post office, watch the infection rate in our county climb to a new high, and pray the newly-approved vaccines will soon be available to all. 

As in past holiday seasons, I encourage all of you to take some time to slow down, rest, and restore your spirit. If you decorate a tree, take some time to remember when different ornaments were acquired. Perhaps you have one for a child’s first Christmas, or a cherished creation from a grandchild. 

We have a collection of wooden ornaments designed and cut out by Tom, then painted and decorated by all of us. These include a wooden “soldier” someone decided to paint in Packers’ green-and-gold – it looks a little like Saddam Hussein – and a Christmas kangaroo, painted red and green. We also have some that spark tender memories: some precious glass from Tom’s grandparents, a few angels from my late mother.

This time of year is a time of holy darkness, a time when many plants and animals go dormant, a time of rest and growth. For many years I celebrated the Winter Solstice with a small circle of friends; and though it was one more event on our calendar, for most of us it was a time for healing the season. We will explore the holy darkness in this season of waiting this coming Sunday. 

Remember, too, that we will also have our annual Christmas Eve lessons & carols service on Dec. 24th at 5:30 p.m. The ZOOM link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89742413036?pwd=eEJzcFpmbFdkNkErS1NZMkNuRllyUT09

However you’re able to make the holidays special for yourself, my wish for you is that you will enjoy your celebrations fully and deeply. 

Blessings,
Rev. Lori Hlaban