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When the song of the angels is stilled,

when the star in the sky is gone,

when the kings and princes are home,

when the shepherds are back with their flocks,

the work of Christmas begins:

to find the lost,

to heal the broken,

to feed the hungry,

to release the prisoner,

to rebuild the nations,

to bring peace among the people,

to make music in the heart.

“The Work of Christmas” is from Howard Thurman’s “The Mood of Christmas and Other Celebrations”  

Greetings and peace to you and yours as we move from our journey through Advent into the profound hope of Christmas to the everlasting light of the Epiphany.

The author of the poem quoted above was Howard Thurman. He was a mystical, prophetic preacher active in the American civil rights movement in the 1960s. This poem speaks of the work that needs to be done “after Christmas.” It feels peculiar to write about “after Christmas” when we have just celebrated the 4th Sunday in Advent.

But, for some reason, I felt drawn to these words as I started to get anxious about all the Christmas preparations still needing to be done and the weariness of this everlasting pandemic. As I was thinking what I don’t have done and worrying about the unknown, these words of Thurman kept coming back to me.

We are busy in our own personal preparations, but the work of Christmas is not only about decorations and celebrations it is about bringing peace among the people. I pray, as your pastor and friend, you are able to offer and find peace in your own life in this grace-filled season.

Through this Holy-day season I hope you find the time to rest and (re)connect with God Incarnate.

My Friends, for this Christmas season, along with my family, we wish you peace, comfort, and the ability to set aside Holy-time throughout this Holiday.

Gloria in excelsis Deo! Glory to God in the Highest!

Merry Christmas!

Rev Sandra Hounsell-Drover