Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Dear Lynn Valley United Church,
Christmas provides a unique opportunity each year to re-focus. This advent we have spent four weeks preparing ourselves to become a house where the Holy will be born anew offering respite, sustenance, and care, opening the doors ever wider to those seeking shelter from the onslaught of life. As we have journeyed with the biblical prophets that call us to care for our neighbours and ‘make room in the inn,’ the lonely and frightened spaces within us have been filled with the light of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
As I have reflected on this journey I have thought about the difference between holding the door wide open and only holding it open a crack, so only a few can get inside. Your board and transition team in the season of advent have been reflecting on what is most important for us on the faith journey of LVUC at this time, and it has become clear that re-envisioning ways to open our doors wider is a call we are hearing. What does that mean for us? As we go back to our story I think about how Mary must have been terrified during several moments of her pregnancy especially, on the journey to Bethlehem. Yet, she embraced God’s call on her life with acceptance and even joy. Maybe we might feel a bit afraid to go where God is leading us. Maybe we don’t even entirely know or understand but together we can face our questions and fears with the hope, peace, joy, and love of holy renewal.
Our Advent journey has led us to this moment when the light shining through the closed doors of life becomes an open door to new possibilities, new relationships, new visions, and dreams. What a poignant moment for us this year as the light and love, multiplies, from one illuminated heart to another. Not only are we reminded of the awe-inspiring, world-changing, life-altering gift that is Jesus; but we are also reminded of our need for this Jesus to heal us in our brokenness. To open our hearts. As a new year approaches, I wonder where we are being called to shine light, to come alive!
In conclusion, I want to thank the community of LVUC for how you have welcomed my family and me. It has been a year and a half since I joined you in this transitional role and I have seen a transformation that some of you might not have seen. I have been blessed by how you have welcomed me into your hearts and your church family. I have seen your hearts soften as you have come together, rebuilding your faith community in hope and love. You are a beautiful congregation and I can’t wait to see how you will welcome the holy in as we journey together in 2025.
May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ Child.
God bless you now and forever.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all,
Rev. Karen Millard (Macky, Ami and Malaya)