Dear Friends,

We all have heard of the Christmas story.  But think about how it is a great example of building a diverse community, those from other lands like the magi who gave advice to kings came together with those who watched sheep as a lowly position — all being welcomed to the side of an innocent child, Jesus.  The angels and the star appeared to so many in this story, but they were no respecter of a person’s status, age or abilities.  An authentic Nativity Scene is one of the greatest diversities that can be imagined.  All surround the light of love, and that is what we have to do to be a community in this day and age as well; gather the most diverse group together and center it on love.

This is the fourth week of Advent, the one of love, the last Sunday before Christmas. But even with the holidays around us we still hear or read the news about killings, both by civilians and the government, and we witness the way in which ICE has been given the “right” to use excessive force, it’s more important than ever to reach out to one another and connect in a gentle and kind way. Let your touch be of love and compassion as you reach for friends and family during this holiday season. We are part of a community, and we can’t be stoic or pretend we do not notice the damage caused by these shameless, heartless deeds and rhetoric.  It is important to have the company of others during these times, particularly during the holidays. When you hear or read the negative, reach out with the positive – be kind, be generous, be helpful, be present. Is there someone that you know for whom this is a very difficult holiday season?  Can you text or give them a call?  We are encouraged to encourage one another and reach out, even past our comfort zones.

This Tuesday is the last food pantry before Christmas at the Klamath Interfaith Food Pantry. People will be getting food that they might be planning to eat with family members they have not seen in a while. Hold them in the light this holiday season, and imagine them safe, healthy, and happy together.  Families may get together more during the holidays. Eating together helps to build unity with one another. (Our next potluck at the church is January 18, if you want to come and enjoy the fellowship of Friends.) As the number of families coming to the pantry grows, much is being done by the leadership to build community, not just among the people who come for the food, but among the people who do the volunteer work of staffing the pantry.  Together we work better, and together we have learned to work cooperatively.  If you can bring some food items Sunday to be shared this Tuesday, it would be greatly appreciated.  We need donations of soaps and other toiletries too.

As you gather with friends this holiday, take into account people for whom this is a solitary time.  Some of our Friends here at the church have moved away and some to remote places like Sarah Watson who moved to Chile a few months ago.  Sarah needs to have more contact from us where possible.  Contact me for the address.  Others in the church have lost a close friend in James Dyer who died the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Reach out.  Bernie has put together a box of cards on the entry table, complete with addresses and stamps to encourage this kind of friendly outreach. 

Let’s be intentional about our kindness and goodness to others who are familiar to us, and to those who we don’t know well.  Be a source of light and love to all you meet.  Be part of the positive in this world.

Remember we have a traditional carol singing and Christmas scripture going to take place here at the church on Christmas Eve at 6:00 PM.  We would love to see you come and participate.  Wren Shockey will be playing her fiddle as we sing.  It should be a great time to remember the why of the season and to spread joy for it’s good example to us of diversity and love.

Merry Christmas,

Leigh