January 1, 1999

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace,

On this first Sunday of our new year, remind us that your new year began a month ago as we lit candles, prepared our hearts, and anticipated your coming. Now the candles of Christmas are gone, replaced with the star of Epiphany. Keep this star of faith burning in our hearts as the star continues on its path, loses its luster, and is planted in the hard ground of Calvary.

On this first Sunday of our new year, gather us in worship: let us hear you speak through every word, let us hear you sing through every song, and let us give you your place in every heart.

December 26, 1999

We have hurried to Bethlehem. We have cried on our way. We have laughed. There have been tender moments and hurt, angry moments. We have tried to focus on a family in a stable and seen the seams in our family split, widen, come apart. The star's shining illuminates the intensity of the advent season, magnifies every joy, every problem that dull and are ignored the rest of the year.

Let our gift to the Child be to select one of these to work on all year so that a greater blessing may be enjoyed next year, and perhaps, the pain will be less. Grant that this still day after Christmas will give us the time to reflect and choose where to work with God to grow and be ready for a different advent next year.