Matthew 27

    I thought about skipping today and just sending a Merry Christmas but as I remembered our last reflection, I thought it was important to continue.  

    So, here we are on Christmas Eve, reading and talking about the death of Jesus.  Seeing him stripped and beaten, mocked and hung upon a cross and mocked some more.  We hear his final words – a question for God – why have you forsaken me? 

    He feels abandoned by God, right when he needs God the most.

    On this Christmas Eve, many feel similar to Jesus, abandoned, alone. It could be for many reasons — loss, grief, illness, financial troubles, loneliness and the list goes on.  This can be a hard time and not feel like a time of celebration.  

    And then many of us gather to sing carols and celebrate this birth of the Christ child.  

    As we do whatever we do — celebrate or mourn — may we also remember the life and teachings of Jesus —all that he brought into this world, all that he tried so hard to teach us. May we remember his teachings on love and service, on kindness, and compassion, on justice. 

    May we remember his birth with Joy!  May we remember his life with love, learning from him and living like him.   May we remember his death and bring meaning to it by sharing his love with all those around us.  May we not abandon him and his teachings in this current time.  May we remember and act.

    Merry Christmas, my friends!  May you experience the love of the living Christ this day and be a living monument to him through your acts of love and service.

Until next time…♥️