My parents took me to church, and I learned from their faith. I watched our church family and learned from their service in faith. My aunts and uncles gave me lessons in faith through deeds and words. Through God’s grace, I have numerous family and friends who live in faith.

I have learned, as my parents did before me, that the adage, “God won’t give you more than you can handle” is not helpful or true. The fact is that we no longer live in the Garden of Eden tells us it can’t be true. Life does spin us out of control on occasion, but it doesn’t have to end us.

What is true is that God, Buddha, Allah, Yahweh, no matter what you call that higher power, wants to be with us, guide us, and care for us. When the spinning occurs, there is help. When there is joy to spread, there is help then too. God wants to enfold us in loving arms, if only we seek comfort there.

May you seek the one who already loves you, knows you, and treasures you as you are.

Sunnyside UMC Christmas Eve Alter with the cross up on the wall and the nativity on the alter

The alter with the nativity

An image of the cover of the Christmas Eve bulletin

A candle in a hurricane lamp wtih three blue ornaments hanging from it and a stained class window behind the candle

A photo from the back of the sanctuary facing front while we hold candles and sing Silent Night

A photo from the back of the sanctuary facing front while we hold candles and sing Silent Night, but zoomed in so that we can see some of the words to the hymn we’re singing