"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6
christmas star2

Christmas calls us to rest...

peace that we long for.


Hope.  "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light..."  Isaiah 9:2

Joy.

"And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:9-11

Peace. The very word creates a desire within us.

In stillness, silence and sweet softness a newborn baby was born who changed the world forever. Except for a brilliant star and a baby's cry, He entered this world in a quiet dark place. In a most humble unassuming way He came, bringing peace, love, and rest. We long for this peace and rest. We cannot ignore the stirring of our souls to find quiet purpose of serenity amidst a world of chaos and conflict.

The peace of Christmas is about peace with God, reconciliation, restoration, and ultimate joy. Peace is not the mere absence of strife, but the active pursuing of harmony with God. Active rest. We will never escape the circumstances of this world-despite noise, trouble, hard work, sorrow and loss...

we can find peace- a calm within our heart. 

We can find rest. 

There's a reason the Christmas Carols remind us in simple words...
silent stars         silent night         stillness lie        all is calm        midnight clear  
... linger on these wonderful word pictures.
Take a moment to be still and look skyward as
 the silent stars go by.

You will be reminded that God sits in heaven, and Christmas still offers peace on earth, a peace that can and should begin in us.

His peace. His hope. His lovrest_400e, His joy...
His rest.   
                        


My prayer is that we find treasures of peace and rest in the quiet moments of this Christmas. 

"Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will have rest for your soul." 
Matthew 11:29


 


Christmas Blessings!

LR
 


 Louann Rodgers, Director Womens Ministry
Incomparable Christ
unknown author
christmas star
More than two thousand years ago there was a man born contrary to the laws of life.

This man lived in poverty and was reared in obscurity. He received no formal education and never possessed wealth or wide-spread influence. He never traveled extensively. He only once crossed the boundary of the country
in which He lived.
But this man's life has
changed the course of history.

[read more...]
Warm Winter Wishes
reflection by Melanie Matthews
christmas balls

"If my people who are called by My name, will come to me and humble themselves and pray and seek my face. . ."


Recently we had the pleasure of a road trip.  On the way to visit our daughter in Charlotte, NC, we picked up my parents and enjoyed catching up, listening to several excellent podcasts of different sermons, and then experiencing the home and city where she is interning for the year.  Every morning I was greeted with the sight of my father sitting with his bible open on the kitchen table.


Glory in the Ordinary
reflection by Terry Beebe
christmas star3
There is one word that describes the night Christ came--ordinary.
The sky was ordinary. An occasional breeze stirred the trees and chilled the air. The stars were diamonds sparkling on black velvet. Clouds floated in front of the moon. It was a beautiful night-a night worth peeking out your bedroom window to admire- but not really an unusual one.
No reason to expect a surprise.

hallelulia
Share in an unexpected (and joyful!) moment in Center City, Philadelphia...
www.RootedToGrow.com
Women's Ministry, Christ Community Church, 1190 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA  19380
Louann Rodgers, Director, Women's Ministry, lkrodgers@comcast.net