The transforming power of the Christ of Christmas.

It was great to have lunch with our friends John and Debbie van de Laar today. I felt a sense of belonging to something 'bigger' as we shared over the meal. Our time together reminded me just how blessed we are with gifted people in our denomination, the Church, and of course God's Kingdom.

This has been a fairly pensive Christmas for me. I have been taking some time to reflect on the year that has passed, on my faithfulness and courage in serving Christ and spreading His love and light... Sometimes I am pleased, frequently I am not satisfied by my lack of commitment and engagement with what truly matters. Anyway, this morning early I reflected upon this little quote and scripture reading in my prayer time.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

- John 1:9-13

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.

- Hamilton Wright Mabie

My prayer for you, and those whom you love, and particularly for those whom you struggle to love, is true peace! I pray for a peace that passes all understanding. I pray for a kind of all encompassing peace that breaks boundaries, that removes prejudice, that drives home love, that renews hope, that spurs God inspired action - the peace of Christ that changes the whole world!

In 2009 I want to give myself even more completely to spreading the conspiracy of Christ's love! Please remember to pray for me and for those whom God has blessed me to love - Megie, Courtney and Liam.

Thanks to each and every person who has taken the time to read my blog, to comment, and to engage with me.