Arise, shine for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.  See darkness covers the earth and the thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.  Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.  Isaiah 60:1-3

 

Greetings from the Pastor…..

 

Wish we could celebrate Christmas a little longer?

 

You are probably familiar with the carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas! During earlier times in England, people continued their Christmas celebrations for twelve days, from Christmas Day until Epiphany on January 6^th.   January 6^th, the Twelfth Night was the day that included the biggest celebration of all.  There were parties and music, dancing and eating to celebrate the joy of Christmas and Christ’s birth.

 

During the past days of Advent and Christmas, we thought about God’s greatest gift to us.  The gift of Jesus. 

 

Like the Magi, why not celebrate the twelfth day of Christmas thinking of the gifts you can give to Jesus, thinking about how your light can continue to shine around you.  Let the Good News of God’s love shine in all you say and do. 

 

I’m thankful for all the ways St. John’s UCC church family let God’s light shine this Advent and Christmas!

 

The light of the Christ shined brightly as the Cantata Choir told the Story of Jesus to the community two evenings to a church packed with worshippers.  They told the story again to the residents at Phoebe Richland, as well as with the Summer Harmony.  Our lights continued to shine as Christmas dinners were brought for the Quakertown Food Pantry and volunteers from our church filled orders from 110 people. We volunteer in the hope that the Light of God’s care shines through us while meeting the needs of hungry people. 

The light of God’s love was shared at the Christmas Carnival, where over 200 children in need came to make crafts and participate in other activities, with lunch included. The light of God’s love was taken to the residents of Phoebe Richland as approximately 30 of St. John’s UCC church family gathered to sing Christmas Carols and pass out Candy Cane Prayers to the residents.  Can you just imagine the smile on the resident’s face when one of St. John’s little ones takes them a candy cane?  It was a delightfully fun evening, and we did get to sing the 12 Days of Christmas.  The residents of Phoebe didn’t think it’s too long and laborious; they thought it was fun and sang right along.  God’s light was shining brighter than ever as the kids presented the “Let’s Hear it Again” Christmas Pageant in our church sanctuary.

 

Through all these things, I find myself blessed to be a part of such a generous church family at St. John’s, where so many people are committed to letting the Light of Christ shine! 

 

This New Year continue to let His star shine brightly upon you and some of that light will surely be reflected on others around you. 

 

See you in Church,

Pastor Linda