Presiding Bishop Curry’s Christmas Message 2018
In the Third Chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus says at one point, “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that all who believe in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
For years, I’ve often thought that that passage only referred to Jesus giving his life as a sacrifice on the cross. And to be sure, that is part of what it means. But some years ago I was reading a commentary by Raymond Brown, on the Gospel of John, and Professor Brown said that that passage not only speaks of Jesus willingly giving his life on the cross, but it actually speaks of Christmas, of God giving his very self, his very son to the world, not for anything God could get out of it, but for the good and the welfare and the well-being of the world. Of us.
Someone once said, in a Christmas poem, “Love came down at Christmas.” That’s what love is. To give, and not to count the cost. To give, not for what one can get, but for what the other can receive. That’s what love is. God so loved the world, that he gave.
I realized recently how powerful that passage really is, when I saw an old poster from 1938. A poster produced by the Episcopal Church at that time, to encourage Episcopalians and other Christians, and other people of faith and good will, to do whatever they could to help Jewish refugees fleeing tyranny in Europe. To help people from all over Europe seeking refuge in America, this land of freedom. The poster depicts Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. They’re fleeing persecution in Palestine, as Matthew’s Gospel says. And the poster depicting Mary, Joseph, and Jesus says in the tag line, “In the name of these refugees, help all refugees.”
God so loved the world, that he gave, even to the point of risking his own son. And in the name of those refugees, in the name of that Jesus, help all refugees, all people who suffer, anyone who’s alone, everyone who is in need. That’s what love does.
Love came down at Christmas, because God so loved the world, that he gave.
In those days, a decree went out from the Emperor Augustus, that all the world should be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem because he was a descendent from the House of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged, and who was expecting a child. While they were there, she gave birth to her first-born son, and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Meanwhile, in that region, there were shepherds, living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then the angel of the Lord stood above them. And the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were terrified. The angel said unto them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people. To you is born this day, in the City of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign. You will find the child wrapped in bands of cloth, lying in a manger.”
And suddenly, there was with the angels a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace to all people on earth.”
Have a blessed Christmas. Have a merry Christmas. Have a joyful Christmas.
God love you, God bless you, and may God hold us all in those almighty hands of love.
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
Thrift Shop
I can’t believe 2018 is coming to an end. We are so looking forward to 2019 being a prosperous year for the Thrift Shop. We would love to see each and every one of you during the New Year! Not that you need an excuse to come see us but here are some good reasons why you should:
- Savings on everything in the store
- Treasure hunting – You never know what you might find
- Name brands at cheaper prices
- Vintage items as well as vintage clothing
- Daily sales
- New items at discounted prices
St. James’ thrift Shop is committed to the environment with our “Green” recycling initiatives by selling your unwanted clothing and or household items and freeing landfills from thousands and thousands of pounds of waste.
Our motto: Reduce – Reuse – Recycle
Our Thrift Shop supports the community, Town Events and numerous Outreach Programs.
Our Shop carries something for everyone and every occasion.
Small businesses need your support. Come visit us at the shop today!
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US AT JAMES’ THRIFT SHOP
Thrift with purpose
Sandy – St. James’ Thrift Shop Manager
Sing Christmas Carols This Sunday
Perhaps the most famous carol service, is the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King’s College in Cambridge, UK. This service takes place at 3.00pm (UK Time) on Christmas Eve and is broadcast live on BBC Radio (and all over the world).
The idea traveled around the UK and became quite a popular service to hold on Christmas Eve. However, it was made very famous by the choir from King’s College, Cambridge, which was reckoned to be the best Church choir in the world at the time.
A service of Nine Lessons and Carols has nine Bible readings (or lessons), that tell the Christmas story, with one or two carols between each lesson. Now, famously, the opening verse of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ (Sing along to Once in Royal David’s City! karaoke version) is sung by a single boy chorister (or treble) but in the early years of the service at King’s College it was sung by the whole choir. Several choristers train to perform the solo, but the boy who will sing it is only told a couple of minutes before the service starts, so he can’t get too nervous!
Please join us as St. James’ worships with our own version of this beautiful tradition this Sunday, December 30 at 9:30 am.
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Office Schedule
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10-4. The office will be closed on Tuesday, January 1 for the holiday.
Notice of Annual Meeting
The 2018 St. James’ Episcopal Church Annual Meeting will be Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 9:30 am. If you are a ministry chairperson you will receive an email requesting your report be turned in by January 16, 2019.
Candidates for the Vestry Class of 2019-2022
The Vestry Nominating Committee is very excited to announce the candidates for the Vestry Class of 2019-2022: Ty Conlon, Bill Ellis, Steve Stowell, Andrew Gobien.
Winter Retreats for Adults at the Claggett Center
- Jan 18-20, 2019, Weekend for Women
This retreat is entitled Living the Good News Lifestyle. It will be held at The Bishop Claggett Center on Buckeystown Pike in Adamstown. The St. James’ Daughters of the King are planning to attend. If you are interested and would like to attend as a group, please see Karen Dulany, Joan Fader or Margaret Neff.
- Feb 1-3, 2019, Men’s Retreat
- Feb 25, 2019, Writer’s Retreat: Fanning the Ember of Creativity
- March 15-17, 2019, Women’s Weekend
Prayer Rotation
Please join the Daughters of the King in praying for each parishioner in rotation during 2018 by taking this notice home and by posting it where it will remind you to pray on a daily basis for the needs and blessings of:
Cassie Sorna
Lisa Sorna (Amanda)
Rainey and Steve Stafford (Quinlan, Henry, William)
A member of the Daughters of the King will be contacting you this week for special prayer requests.
Readings for the Lessons & Carols, December 30, 2018 :
John 1:1-18
Luke 2:1-20
Matthew 2:1-12
Luke 2:1-38
Luke 2:41-52
Commemorations for the week of December 30, 2018:
