a note to the congregation on Christmas Eve from Bev

[Bev Brazier]

Dear Yellowknife United Church family and friends, 

     WELL! THAT wasn't what any of us was expecting or wanting on Christmas Eve, was it? If you haven't heard, we got to the church for the 4 pm service tonight, and before the service began, we found ourselves in the midst of an alarm ringing, water flowing down the hall, and general chaos, until we called in people to help. As a result, both of our Christmas Eve services were cancelled. 

    It reminds me that, like Mary and Joseph, who probably had expected a peaceful birth at home in Nazareth, but ended up on an unplanned and unwanted detour to Bethlehem, we too neither planned nor expected this, but here we are. Life is kind of like that.  (come to think of it, Mary's water broke at an awkward and inconvenient time too!) 

    Thanks to all those who immediately went into action to make sure that the proper people were called, that there were notices about the cancellation on the doors and online, and that everything was done that could be done before we went home. 

    I especially was touched by the children. They were so excited to be participating in the service, and then when they were told we all had to go home, they were very understanding. THEY ARE GOING TO HELP LEAD THE SERVICE THIS COMING SUNDAY, with the material they had prepared for this evening. 

    I hope and pray that your Christmas eve has some wonderful surprises, but not like that! May you know the presence of "Emmanuel: God-With-Us" deeply in your soul and in whatever circumstances you find yourself this year. In the end, the wonder of this season is that the Holy One, the Mystery the moves the sun and the stars, the Word made flesh, is here among us. 

    I thank you for your part in this family of faith at Yellowknife United. 

May we together, live the words we sing at this time of year: "Peace on earth and good will to all". 

    Bless you as you celebrate and share this good news. You are loved beyond measure. 

    Blessings and peace to you 

    Bev