Thoughts from
Rev. Dr. Tassie Green,
Interim Senior Pastor
Whew! We made it through the Christmas rush of December. In December, we are stressed out and busy, worried about lists and gifts. In December, we are merry-makers, people-pleasers, and goodwill-wishers.
But in January, we turn our thoughts to the new year. In January, we make resolutions. Or we pick themes for the year. In January, we are hopeful optimists as we think of new beginnings. In January, we are dieters, exercisers and goal-setters. We are ready to support our hope with hard work—at least for a few weeks. “This year will be different!” we say. In January, we are willing to consider facing what seems impossible. Changing bad habits, losing weight, quitting smoking, breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, going back to school, considering a career change. We are willing to try something new. We plan to persevere.
As these pesky December holidays end, January “real life” resumes for us; the relief of ordinary days and our usual routines.
But did you know today is still Christmastide—and this Sunday is Epiphany—when we think of the wise men who seek Jesus? We have more celebrating to do: celebrating Jesus birth. The “good news of great joy for all people” demands more from us than one day of revelry.
Even if we feel we are done with the Christmas story, it is not done with us. There are deep riches to be unearthed, and wonderful implications to explore in this story of God who came to earth as a baby, God with us. Emmanuel. It is not just a December story. It is a January story, too.
Your community of faith is with you this month and every month as you live out your faith in new ways. Consider trying out a new Adult Ed class on Sundays at 11 a.m. “Walk for Warmth” on January 19 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) with the youth, missions council, and Interfaith Alliance of Evanston. Join us February 2 for the Chili Cook-off/Youth & Children’s Ministry fundraiser, a great opportunity to build relationships. And continue to celebrate Jesus’ birth.
Into the New Year with you,
Pastor Tassie
Interim Senior Pastor
