Scripture: Luke 1:26-56
This Sunday is our Christmas Eve worship and celebration. In a year like this one, so wrought with political and social division, war, and fear, it feels more important than ever that we welcome this newly born Peace into our world. It is so right that we do this with as much joy as each of us can muster because it is proof of our faith that, despite the odds, we have faith that the love that is the Christ can overcome it all.
“…with as much joy as each of us can muster…” Friends, we are not all in the same place and Jesus’ birth and all that it promises does not require that we hang lights, bake cookies, and laugh with family all around. For some this celebration might be filled with silence and a prayer. For others it might be more dark than light, more tears than laughter. If this is you, know that you are loved and in that love you are not alone. Light a single candle in the midst of your darkness to remind yourself of the hope that is the foundation of this day.
Additionally, consider joining us this evening at Newton Presbyterian Church for a Longest Night service of Taizé and prayer where we will acknowledge the darkness and light simple and subtle candles together to symbolize our hope. We’ll gather for soup and bread at 6:00pm and start the service at 7:00pm. For more info (and streaming links) go to www.unitedparishofauburndale.org.
See you Sunday and blessings of peace this week.
Peace,
Cheryl
This week UPA prays for…
…All of us and others who are walking through their first Christmas after a loved one’s death.
…Students, faculty and staff at Brandeis University and all higher learning institutions struggling to respond to justice and injustice across this world.
…Linda Wood-Boyle’s mother who is struggling to recover from COVID.
Live Stream Information
We are making improvements to our sanctuary sound system and encourage you to worship with us in person. If you are not able to worship with us we continue to stream our services via Facebook and Zoom. If you experience any trouble go to our Facebook page for more information. Please share these links with your friends. Bear in mind that we cannot share the Zoom links publicly (to keep from being Zoom bombed), so please share it person to person rather than posting it on Facebook/Twitter, or other public social media. It’s fine to share the Facebook link broadly and publicly. For zoom log in information please reach out to Pastor Cheryl at cheryl@newtonchurch.org.
Zoom Link: UPA Sunday Morning Worship
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81334929545?pwd=S1lsRlRmSnlkTUE0cHRlWWQwWUJndz09
Facebook Livestream Link: https://www.facebook.com/upanewtonma/live