Messiah family and friends

Christmas is a time to center our faith, to remember. I know, it is so easy for us all to get caught up in the cookie swaps, holiday shopping, and general fanfare of the season, but it’s important that we never forget the reason we celebrate Christmas.

Our celebration of Christmas should reflect the love and selflessness taught by our Savior. Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. We reach out in love to help those less fortunate. Our hearts are softened. Enemies forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. To catch the real meaning of the spirit of Christmas, we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the Spirit of Christ.

Daily bible readings and Christmas prayers offer a beautiful way to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and the many blessings we have. There is no doubt this year has been a difficult one for all of us. As we remember the love of God and the gift of Jesus this holiday season, we can focus on the hope and joy that we have despite the circumstances that may be surrounding us. 

I think it is important that we celebrate Christmas with prayer. In fact, we should celebrate the entire season and be intentional and thoughtful in our readings and prayers, as they remind us of the true meaning of the season. I have been thinking of how I can express my thoughts and prayers for each of you.

I pray for the restoration of hope and faith in a world filled with worry, fear, and doubt. May you be blessed with a sense of peace and calm; may this season of hope and light bring upon you the confidence and courage to seek out peace when others choose to look for misfortune in our lives. May each day of this season fill you with the joy and love of this season.

I pray for your health. May you be blessed with strength and endurance to fight whatever illness you are battling. May you experience healing and remain hopeful and confident. May you be blessed by the compassion of your family and friends.

I pray for all the families who are remembering loved ones this holiday season. Perhaps it’s the first season where their presence will be missed. I pray that the loving memories and happy reminders of those we have loved and lost will soothe the pain and the hurt of missing them so very much this holiday season. May the blessing of peace and love fill the hearts and souls of those who are grieving. May the happiness and joy of those we have lost never be forgotten.

I pray for our church, our community, our country, and the world. May this season of grace, mercy, love, joy and happiness find its way into the hearts and minds of each of us; may all leaders locally and globally be blessed with the knowledge, wisdom, sincerity, courage, and conviction to come together for the greater good and for peace on earth for all. May we all come to the place where we can and will recognize the need for unity and love. May this blessing be upon each and every one of us.

Wishing you all peace, hope, love, and joy during this holiday season. Merry Christmas!

Faithfully

Charlie Radabaugh

Messiah Council President