Christmas Greetings,
“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” Luke 2:10
As I write this Christmas letter my heart is filled with mixed emotions about the scripture used in the heading. At Christmas, I know from experience there are a lot of hurting people who go through deep valleys of depression because they are lonely and upset of the result for the past election, poor, homeless, or have suffered a great loss at this exact time of year. It is always difficult for a pastor to minister to those who have no “joy”, particularly at this time of year because of losing a family member or friend during the year.
Please, let me encourage you this Christmas to get alone with God, and read the Christmas story from His Holy Word and try to go back in your thoughts to the time when our Savior was born. Re-capture the joy that was in the hearts of all who had the faith to believe that this baby was the Messiah of Israel, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Savior of all sinners who would believe in Him and seek His forgiveness.
Without knowing Him, without knowing the Christ of Christmas, you will never know what real joy and happiness this time of the year can bring. Christmas is a day for us to remember God’s merciful love. Through Jesus, we come to know who God really is – He is Love. God’s love is extended to everyone, including the strangers, the marginalized … and especially the poor and the homeless. This Christmas, let us be mindful of those who are in need of our welcome – a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a fellow member. Let us make room in our hearts for forgiveness and love and reach out to those who are asking for them.
Merry Christmas! Maligayang Pasko!
On behalf of our family and church staff, I sincerely hope that the remembrance of Christ’s birth brings you much peace and hope. As we celebrate Christmas, I would like to thank you for your presence and prayers with our Westfield UMC and Mayville UMC family.
There are numerous ways that the church helps to orient us toward Christ. Over the past several months, I have prepared a church-wide devotional booklet entitled, Advent series THEME: Christmas: A Season for Hope and Joy to Triumph over Adversities, it is was made with scriptures, short meditations and prayers to guide us into readiness for the celebration of Christmas. Introducing with you our Filipino culture as we are preparing for the Christmas, we had 9 Simbang gabi (vigil service) starting on December 16 until December 24, therefore, as we adopt one of our cultures in celebrating Christmas, we will have our 1st vigil service on December 16, at 6pm in the church and the next vigil services for December 17-23 will continue in your home, light the candles and read the Advent devotional booklet. (copies are available near the Welcome Center/Gibbs Parlor)
On the evening of December 21st, my twin sister, Rev. Evelyn E. Austria will lead our church family/community in a more subdued atmosphere of Blue Christmas service at 7pm a joint service with Mayville UMC. This is a meaningful service, for those who have lost a family member, a close friend, or who find the high-energy and bright lights too much this Christmas.
We will hold our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Dec. 24th at 6pm and (8pm at Mayville UMC) in the sanctuary. Once again, we will hear the words of the prophet Isaiah 9:2-7 and the Christmas story as told in Luke 2:1-20. One of the highlights of Christmas Eve’s past will return as we receive Agape Meal during the service. Steve/Karin Cockram & family will have their musical presentation. Our family Castillo and Austria will sing Filipino Christmas carols. It wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without singing Silent Night with our candles aglow.
Ever feel like you did not get enough of the Christmas carols and hymns in church? Then mark your calendars for Dec. 29th at 9:00am for our annual ‘Stump the Pianist’ service: an entire service dedicated to selecting and singing your favorite hymns, or the one’s that we have not sung together. We want to begin the year on the right foot, so on Jan. 5th at 9:00am we will share together in The Covenant Renewal Service, adapted by our founder John Wesley.
Christmas Blessings,
Evangeline E. Castillo, Pastor
