Greetings to all!
We are drawing ever closer to Christmas and our attention turns toward
the stories of Jesus' birth as found in Matthew and Luke. New Testament
theologian, Marcus Borg, offers a contemporary interpretation of those
ancient stories.
With their stories of Jesus' conception by the Spirit, both Matthew and
Luke affirm that what happened in Jesus was not simply "of the flesh,"
but also "of God"- that is, "of the Spirit." Both powerfully express the
ancient theme of light coming into darkness, Matthew with the star
shining as a beacon to the wise men, Luke with the glory of God
appearing in the night sky as the angels sing to the shepherds. The
decision of the Christian church in the fourth century to celebrate
Jesus' birth at the time of the winter solstice expresses this symbolism
perfectly (at least in the Northern Hemisphere): he is born at the time
of deepest darkness, and his birth is the coming of the light. Or, to put
it even more compactly, Jesus is the light in our darkness.
(from Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time)
The scripture lesson for Sunday, Dec. 16, the 3rd Sunday of Advent.
Matthew 1:18-25
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, December 16, 10am, in
Trinity Hall. Our topic will be "Christmas...According to Matthew," the
first of two Sundays talking about the Christmas narratives in Matthew
and Luke. Come enjoy a cup of coffee, join the conversation, or just
listen in.
THE WALNUT HILL CHURCH CHRISTMAS PARTY will be held this
Sunday, December 16, 3pm - 5pm, at 993 Turkey Foot Road. Bring an
hors-d'oeuvres item. This gathering is intended for adults. Watch for
more information via an email on Thursday. Don't miss this festive Walnut
Hill tradition!
"Giving Tree" gifts and ornaments are due back at Walnut Hill Church
this Sunday, December 16, so that they can be distributed in time for
Christmas. Thanks to all who are participating in this local outreach.
We will be decorating the Sanctuary for Christmas and doing other
holiday preparations at Walnut Hill this Saturday morning, December 15.
If you would like to help, use reply email or call the church office (263-5304)
for more information.
"Carols and Candlelight," a worship service for all ages, will be held
on Monday, December 24, 5pm, at Walnut Hill Church.
A Service of Ordination and Consecration installing the Very Rev.
Douglas Hahn as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington will
be held this Saturday, December 15, 11am, at Christ Church Cathedral.
Visit www.diolex.org for more details.
Walnut Hill Cookbooks are still available for your Christmas season
giving. Copies are $10/each. Look for cookbooks in the Sanctuary foyer
and in Trinity Hall.
Thanks to all the children, youth, and adults who worked together to
present a delightful pageant at Walnut Hill this past Sunday morning.
Thanks also to the youth who brought caps, gloves, and scarves to their
Sunday evening Christmas party. These items will be donated to the
Catholic Action Center for distribution to their guests.
Peace to all.
Mike Ward
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