Advent Unwrapped: Happy New Year (When it Comes)

That's a wrap… Well that‘s a wrap folks. Congratulations! Despite sickness, impossibly high expectations, never-ending to-do lists, Murphy’s law, and insufferable cheeriness, we made it. Or, more specifically, Jesus made it. Now, as Howard Thurman famously said, the work of Christmas is about to begin: “to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among others, to make music in the heart.” The question that I often wrestle with is: how am I going to do this work of Christmas once the Christmas season is over? For the last two years, my Christmas work has been rooted in finding, nurturing, and supporting precious hope as I would any child. It is easy to go on a quest for something you are lacking. This year, I feel overwhelmed because there is such an abundance of needs (or things I am lacking). But I imagine that many of the people in our Christmas story felt overwhelmed, and with the help of others, they did great things. Perhaps I should take my lead from them, and I will start with the Magi, who went on a quest for the extraordinary in the ordinary, trusting that an epiphany will come. May we each seek and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary this year!

This Week’s Round-up Did you know that we have Christmas and Epiphany resources for the whole family, like the 12 Days of Christmas Activities and Epiphany Traditions? We have a lesson and carol service that is perfect for the Sunday after Christmas! And there are several worship resources on our Epiphany page, including worship liturgies, sermon ideas, and starters. Advent Blogs of The Week     This is our last week with our wonderful Advent Unwrapped contributors. In the latest blog from Stephen Milton, learn how the representation of the visit of the Magi has changed over time and how it might look in the future. Plus, visit our Facebook page for the final microblogs from Sarah, Michael, and Mini. Shout Outs!   Did you know about these two blogs? Creedal and Loving It by Rob Fennel and Ross Lockhart is filled with ‘good theology for regular people’ and David Giuliano both have blogs filled with food for thought, humor and inspiration! A special thank-you to the amazing Advent Unwrapped Team! Many sparkly, shining and amazing people have been working hard since May to create a collection of resources to help us faithfully engage with the reason for the season! Lastly a special thanks to you. Thank-you for being a part of our story and for trusting us with your inbox each week. It has been a true blessing to be on this ongoing journey to discover the Christ Child with you. To Consider   A reminder that The United Church has an appeal for Humanitarian Aid in the Middle East. Please consider joining us in writing your member of parliament (if you are in Canada), as we continue to pray for peace through the region. There is not a lot of time this year to discern the work of Christmas before Lent begins. While we aren't Lent Unwrapped, we still got you! Check out our new Lenten Devotional Act/Fast and stay connected on social media for more information. [Photo credit: Hosny Salah | DSPR] To Try     Wondering what to do with that growing pile of Christmas cards from years past? Why not make new cards to save for next year? We traced out and cut round circles around our favorite part of the card, glued it to blank cards, and then decorated with fancy markers and oil pastels. With all of the cardboard boxes and wrapping paper, we have been creating a gingerbread house that keeps on growing with all of the pretty packaging that we are unable to reuse. I would love to linger with you alittle longer, but I guess that is all for now. Until next year, may the grace of God, the love of Jesus and the abiding friendship of the Holy Spirit be with you, as we do the work of Christmas. Alydia Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube LinkedIn   Your generosity enables the United Church to love, serve, and minister in the world. Make an online donation or learn more about your options to support the work of the church.

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