Christmas Eve 2013-- Standing at the stove, I had just folded the parsley into the spicy sausage rice finishing the dish when the lights flickered, the smoke alarms gave an eyeblink shriek, and we were pitched into darkness. Everyone scrambled for flashlights, phones, and candles, and after a few minutes we were eating by the gentle glow of leftover wedding candles. Laughter, great conversation, and a savory meal commenced followed by a time of playing with light and photography creating what seemed like magical illusions thanks to our photographer friend Cody who was with us. :)

Light. As a person who admits to being afraid of the dark, I find great comfort in light and appreciate the image of God as light.

c 2004 "Korinne/Korinne" by Alana

The magi followed the light of the star to find the Divine Light, the hope and comfort of all. "Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising." Is.60:3 I wish I knew the stories of how the lives of the magi were changed after having come face to face with the Divine. How much they comprehended of the holiness of their encounter, I have no idea, but they certainly had knowledge that perhaps was transformed into understanding with this sacred meeting.

Brother Nelson's message this week is "Drawn by Light; Sent as Light" using texts from Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12; Isaiah 60:1-6; and Psalm 72:1-7. Nelson says in his pre-sermon notes, "We are drawn to God's light and sent as God's light showing the mystery of God working far beyond the boundaries we create and impose within ourselves and between each other." I look forward to hearing our brother's exegesis. I hope you'll join me. Worship begins at 10:15 AM with Sunday school at 9 AM.

Everyone is invited to corporate singing in the Rec room from 9-9:15 AM before they go to their classes.  Oh, and the new class for younger married couples/singles will be meeting in a 1960 hall classroom. Childcare is available.   If you can make the party on Saturday evening at Todd and Cindy's home, let me know! :)

Our ingathering for January: items for Bridge of Hope. http://lancasterchester.bridgeofhopeinc.org/ We're collecting canned veggies, cleaning supplies, dish soap, laundry detergent, paper towels, sponges, toilep paper, trash bags, and umbrellas.  You'll find a box in the lobby to place any items you bring.

Be sure to read the bulletin for additional notes and activities. http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/bulletins/

As brutal temperatures cover much of the nation, keep safe and warm, dear friends! Listen to the voice of your mother in your head. (Wear your hat. Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf. Do you have a blanket in your car in case of an emergency? Don't go outside unless you need to. Take breaks if you're shoveling snow.....) :)
I'm certainly thinking of our refugee family from Myanmar this morning.  I hope they don't have to go anywhere today. They must think they've landed in freezerland!

My prayer for today: You are wrapped in light as a garment, O Lord, and ride on the wings of the wind.  As we are drawn to your light, Divine, fill us with hope and awe as you illumine our paths. Lord, I ask that you would especially bless those organizations that are bringing warmth and housing to the homeless on this frigid morning. Grant us, dear Lord, the power to understand the breadth, height, length, and width of the love of Christ that is greater than knowledge, so that we would be filled with the fullness of your Divine Being. Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. Amen. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!

Love and Light,
Carol

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd