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December 2011

Dear sisters and brothers,

Peace on earth! Peace on earth! Peace on earth!

In the nativity narrative found in the gospel of Luke 2.8-14, the writer tells us that a host
of angels appeared to the shepherds announcing the birth of Christ. The message of the angels was simple: the Holy One has come to dwell among you so you can proclaim peace.

Looking around our world, it seems appropriate for the Church Universal to take this time of the year to proclaim peace. I do not mean proclaiming peace as in the absence of wars – which I strongly support, by the way – but proclaiming “PEACE” as a state of being. This Christmas season, I invite you to identify ways in which you can proclaim peace around you. How can you achieve peace in your life? How can you help others find peace? How can you cooperate with others to proclaim peace through actions of justice and love and reconciliation?

In recent times we all have felt the consequences of decades of immoral economic policies, reckless corporate greed, and ill-advised personal financial decisions. We can waste time trying to find someone or something to blame. Or we can find ways in which we can join the voices of transformation that have been raised and actually do something to transform the systems that perpetuate oppression. The Board of International Ministries of the American Baptist Churches is sponsoring a “Global Peace Gift Drive.” You can find the different projects by following this link: http://www.internationalministries.org/drives/5 Some of these projects are helping bring peace to corners of our world. I encourage you to look at these and pick at least one where you and your family can send a Christmas contribution. Share this with your friends and family. Tell others about the excitement that is to be able to join others in the work of peace and thus make a reality the proclamation of the angels that first Christmas in Bethlehem.

I also want to invite you, your loved ones, and every one of your friends, to join us for our Christmas celebrations. On Saturday, December 24^th at 7:00 pm our congregation will have our Christmas Eve Candlelight service, with beautiful music, readings, and a short reflection on the meaning of the season. On Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25^th at 10:30 am, we will have our traditional Lessons & Carols service, and you are invited to bring your own voice and preferred song to share with us.

I look forward to seeing you around for the holidays, and sharing with you the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Blessings and peace,

Rev. J. Manny Santiago, Pastor

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