Merry Christmas
by Fr. Bill Van Oss
Barry Shepherd penned this piece. It can be found in his book entitled A Way with Words:
Shopping Days ‘til Christmas
Black Friday opened up
before Halloween this year,
and the customary counselors are predicting
drastic shortages, delays and empty shelves.
The supply chain appears to be untethered –
loaded ships lying off the coast at anchor,
idled drivers, vacant trucks holding in line –
impending crisis, once again, is all the news.
Yet my Christmas list stays calmly unimperiled.
One festive meal with folk whose company
I have come to cherish over years.
One dog-directed stroll along the shore,
or down a snow-edged forest trail.
One open fireside with warm slippers,
a chair that tilts me backward when desired,
and a book I know so well the plot flows,
slow and easy into slumber.
A generous mug, or glass, to sip on,
welcome voice and touch when I awake.
At the close, a holy space of choir and candles,
ancient words of grace and comfort,
merry greetings, mending peace.
I pray your Christmas stays “calmly unimperiled,” and that you can enjoy the simple pleasures like a festive meal, a stroll on the beach with your dog, slippers and a good book, the company of loved ones and “a holy space of choir and candles” here at St. Michael’s or somewhere else. Sue and I wish you God’s peace and blessings this Christmas and throughout the coming year.
Christmas Eve services are at 5:00 and 8:00 pm. The 5:00 service includes children dressing up for the pageant. They are invited to come to the parish hall at 4:30 to choose a costume and get ready for the procession.
Christmas Day service is at 10:00 am. All three Christmas services will be livestreamed.
There is no 5:00 pm service on the 25th. Services on Sunday the 26th are at 8:00 and 10:30 am. 10:30 is livestreamed, as usual.
Peace and Blessings,
Bill+
Moving Forward Updates from Fr. Bill
