Christmas Approaches

This afternoon our Chamber Singers offered Handel’s Messiah

A beautiful rendition of the life of the Savior

A time to slow down and enjoy

A time to reflect on the season that will soon be upon us

Too often in the hustle and bustle of the consumer culture

Too often we lose our way

Too often in the hustle and bustle of the Church season

Too often in the midst of preparations I forget

Lord, as the season of Advent draws to a close

As the season of Christmas approaches

Help me to slow down and simply Be Still

Help me to remember and practice the words of Howard Thurman

I Will Light Candles This Christmas

Candles of joy, despite all sadness,

Candles of hope where despair keeps watch.

Candles of courage for fears ever present,

Candles of peace for tempest-tosser days,

Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,

Candles of love to inspire all my living,

Candles that will burn all the year long.

Help me in the midst of the madness, Lord

Help me to find the quiet Sabbath moments

Help me to light these candles in the silence

Help me to Be Still