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Matthew 2:1-12:    Who were those strangers who traveled so far to find the new king?  They are not Jewish—that is part of the amazing revelation, or epiphany, provided by Matthew’s gospel account—they were Gentiles who  knew enough about the stories of this coming king to be willing to make a long trek, but did not know the Hebrew scriptural prophecy about the exact location of the birth of the new king.  (That is why they had to stop in Jerusalem to check with the current king, Herod.)

Maybe they were kings.  Continue reading “Sermon: So were they Kings? Wise Men? Astrologers?” →

Sharing a suggestion from a nine month “journey to the quiet” that I began in September.  You might appreciate this opportunity to explore contemplative prayer in the last moments before you sleep on Christmas Eve!  Give this a try:  “This week, on Christmas Eve, right before you drift to sleep, take a few minutes to be absolutely still.

Breathe deeply.  Relax into prayer.

Allow the melody of Silent Night to become a prelude to a spacious place of emptiness where you meet God in the quiet.

Hum the melody slowly.  Pause after each line to breathe more deeply and relax more completely.

At the end of the carol, simply let go.  Of the music.  Of any words.  And even, if you can, of any thoughts.  Just for a few sacred moments.

Relax into the awareness of Emmanuel, God-with-you.

May you sleep in heavenly peace, and wake into Christmas joy.”

 

May Christmas joy be yours every day.

– Pastor Deborah