Something new to discover
When I was about five years old, I started lying on the floor under the Christmas tree in the evenings. Coincidentally (or maybe my parents did it on purpose), every year, the same ornaments were hung on the same lowest branches. I loved how the light bounced around and through these simple decorations.
The beauty was endless. Even though it was the same tree with the same lights and the same ornaments, there was always something new to discover in how the light reflected or illuminated different things. It was beautiful and peaceful every year.
I think that may be part of the beauty of Christmas. Even though many of us do the same things year in and year out, there is always a new way to experience how God has broken into the world. There is new hope and new ways to experience joy springing up. Maybe most importantly, there is always something that reminds us that God has come into our lives, bringing us to deeper faith and trust, creating a new heart in all of us.
I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. May the joy of God-With-Us inspire you to deeper trust in our God and deeper care for your neighbors.
-Mark Niethammer, senior pastor
Lori Byerly
Thank you Pastor Mark. Merry Christmas to you and your family
Jan Schmidt
Thank you!