We pray you are reminded of a love so deep and wide that no one is left behind. Amidst our tears and celebrations, we approach Christmas knowing that God is with us.
On Christmas Eve we will light the Christ candle, and we invite you to make space in your home for a candle to be lit and scripture and prayers to be shared. “True God of true God, Light from light eternal” invites us to come as the faithful to Bethlehem to adore him, Christ the Lord.” (UMH#234)
This past Sunday we drove to Chicago to honor our parents, along with family members with a drive-by, drop-off cake and pie blessing. We wore masks and stayed just long enough to say a Christmas prayer and thank God for family and friends. This was coined the 2020 JOY tour.
As we drove home, we praised God for all of the people we include in our wide circle of love. Yes, you are included.
To paraphrase the Apostle Paul in the book of Romans, “Nothing can separate us from the love of God…neither death nor life, COVID-19 nor job loss or injustice. We are convinced that you are blessed with grace and covered in God’s mercy. This Christmas, we weep with those who weep, shout with those who shout, and with angelic host proclaim, ‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!’”
“I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people. To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (NRSV)
Have a Merry Christmas and blessed new year!
Be encouraged, Amazing Amen!
Bishop Julius C. Trimble First Lady Racelder Grandberry-Trimble
Resident Bishop
Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church