Sherry Sterling

Dear friends,

In these last weeks before Christmas, I feel the buildup of activity and expectations before the big day. Gatherings I’m happy to be part of, performances I’d like to go to, baking I hope I can get to, shopping I still need to find time for! The problem is, l’m depending on a well of energy within that is just plain spent at this point. I’m tired. And feel empty. I want to rest.

Christmas here happens at exactly that time of the year when the days are getting shorter. I don’t want to get out of bed as early with the later dawn, and I don’t get a chance to walk after work before the sun has already set. The darkness draws me inside and I want to slow down, but the increased activities beckon me out to stay busy.

I’m writing this on Sunday evening, after going to an Evensong service at our church. I arrived feeling tired and left rejuvenated; I came empty and left filled. The choir voices from behind moved forward and the sound came through me. I relaxed into their intercessions. The bulletin for the service says, “Evensong is one of the ‘Choral Offices,’ in which the Choir, through song, prays on behalf of the needs of this parish, the Church, and the world.” Thank you, Saint Philip’s choristers. When I had no words, you offered them up for me, and for all of us.

While we are often focused on giving during this season, let’s not forget the other side of it: Christmas is a time to receive. To receive the Light of the World. The gift of God made human in Jesus. A gift so we, ultimately, don’t need to do more to “make the magic” of the season, or our lives, happen. Even as we are giving to others, we are invited to receive the miracle, yet again.

Peace and love,

—Sherry