Perhaps a strange post for the beginning of the new year. We have only just packed away the decorations, and taken down the lights -- or perhaps waiting until warmer weather for the latter. But in any case, Christmas is over. Whether it was joyful or mournful it's over and past. And if the retailers are starting in on next year, at least they are waiting a few months to tell us. At least, let's hope so.

The post refers to an epiphany hymn by Jim Strathdee "I Am the Light of the World."
When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the sages and the shepherds have found their way home,
The work of Christmas is begun.

It's pretty easy to get excited about Jesus at Christmas. God dwells among us, a miraculous birth, angels, shepherds and some visitors from the east bearing gifts. It's all so special. Then, the ordinary reappears. Here in Pennsylvania we've had snow, and more snow and cold, cold, cold. The kids are back in school, the adults are back at work, the days are still short and dark and we're looking for a little holiday.

The work of Christmas is begun?

If we see the shepherds as the poor and oppressed, and the angels as messengers of good tidings, then yes, this is the season for the work of Christmas. Because all that charitable giving and volunteering that was a huge part of December? That need is still with us. The work of Christmas begins.

If we see the magi as Christ-seekers, then yes, this is the season for the work of Christmas. Because there are a lot of people looking for Christ -- they probably wouldn't say they are searching for Christ, but they are looking for purpose, meaning, to make sense of the senseless. Who is going to point out the light? Send them in the right direction? The work of Christmas begins.

If we see the birth of Jesus as God coming to dwell among us, then this is the season for the work of Christmas. We're not as gifted in prayer as we like to think. The need to reflect, to call on God, to sense God within, to listen for God? If that's not a need in the dark days of winter, I don't know what is. The work of Christmas begins.

This season of Epiphany is a season for doing this work of Christmas. Service to others, pointing to Christ, seeking God's presence. Have a blessed Epiphany journey.

                                                                        Peace,
                                                                        Pastor Lisa

   As we get ready to remember the birth of Jesus, we remember that Mary took the newborn Jesus, "wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7 RSV)  We also believe that when we feed the hungry, or welcome the stranger, we are really welcoming Jesus. (Matthew 25:34-40)
    I'm so glad that at Trinity this December we have "a place in the inn" for Jesus. We will be the host church for Mainstreet Ministries homeless shelter beginning Wednesday, December 1. Every evening at 10 pm the homeless of our community will come to our church, be served a hot meal, and have a warm and safe place to sleep for the night. Every morning they will have some breakfast, get a sack lunch before leaving at 8 am. That's the daily flow of the shelter -- arrive at 10 pm, eat, sleep, then wake in the morning eat, and go on your way at 8 am.
   But some of our church members have gotten to thinking about Christmas Day. That day where we remember Mary and Joseph's travel to Bethlehem. We remember the Christ child in the manger. We remember that it was shepherds, themselves homeless and sleeping in the fields, who were the first witnesses to Jesus' birth. It really doesn't feel right to turn anyone out in the cold at 8 am Christmas Day.
   So we have members who, on a rotating basis, are giving up a few hours of their family gatherings on Christmas Day to stay with our guests. We will have having a Christmas morning brunch, we will have a Christmas dinner, we will sing carols together, we will play games and watch movies, and exchange gifts. And nobody will have to be alone in the cold.
   I hope those who read this -- Trinity members and members of our larger Pottstown community -- will find a way to be part of this homeless ministry this December. Truly, it is a blessing to our church, and to our understanding of this season, to host people who are homeless at Christmas.
                                                             Peace,
                                                             Pastor Lisa