This is my 57th holiday season. For my first Christmas I was 8 months old, firstborn to delighted older parents and surrounded by excited aunts, uncles, and grandparents. There had not been a baby born on either side of the family in over 20 years, so little Ruthie caused quite a joyful stir!

What a gift to be loved into being, to be welcomed with enthusiasm, to be carried along on the arms of relations and friends through childhood. I am still surrounded in my mind and heart with the spirits of many caring ancestors.

My older child was similarly welcomed into this world almost 23 years ago. This fall Liam has been volunteering at a men’s shelter where he serves lunch to men who have no home to go to or family to support them. He helps them do their laundry and he sweeps, mops, sorts food donations, and anything else needed. He is learning that many people live very hard lives.

The holidays are like a lens which focuses on the joys and the struggles of ourselves and our neighbors.
Wherever you find yourself in this season, I wish you both joy and the opportunity to ease someone else’s burdens.

In wisdom, grace and hope,

Rev. Ruth