In the company of angels

Sermon snippets:
Luke 1:8-15 and the rest of the Christmas story from Matthew and Luke
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and goodwill to all. Yes, it’s May, but come to Bethlehem and see, Christ whose birth the angels sing. As we launch into a year of interim life together, it seems right to start with Christmas, as if the calendar year – not just our interim year – was beginning. And the Christmas story is familiar and beloved, and in the midst of huge changes, we find comfort in what is familiar and beloved."

"...just like the angels, we bring messages to one another – we might not relate to the angelic concept of perfection or purity, but that’s not what these Christmas angels are about either. These angels offer cautionary words that the magi and Mary and Joseph need to hear. We can do that with each other, too. “I’ve been down that road before, and believe me, you don’t want to go there,” we can say. Perhaps the road is revenge or addiction or believing mainstream culture’s manipulations about who we are to be and how we are to live.

And sometimes we heed the angel message, but other times we have to try the road for ourselves, and then we can be angels of comfort for one another.

Just like Gabriel, we bring essential messages to one another – sharing wisdom from our own life stories, from divine communication, from intuitive leadings. The search committee is actively discerning, and they need us to do the same! What do you hear in your prayers? Your dreams? Does the church show up in your mind and heart through the week as you journal, walk the dog, wash the dishes? Listen for God’s nudging and share your message, angels!

Just like the heavenly host, bring glad tidings of great joy. Where is dawn breaking forth in your life this spring? Where are you finding rejuvenation, mystery or freedom? We need one another’s awe and good news...."

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