Merry Christmas from My Heart to Yours - Valerie Peyton Kingsbury

Only one more day till Christmas Eve and I wanted to take a moment this morning to send a Christmas wish from my heart to yours. There is a bustle of activity here in the Church as people gather to deliver our boxes of Christmas cheer to a number of families in the community; I just finished setting up the puppet theatre for the Children’s service tomorrow; and there is a sense of anticipation in the air.

The story that draws us to this place is filled with mystery and wonder. It captivates our hearts and fills us with amazing grace. What fascinates me most is that each of us can probably recite the story without even thinking yet every year I seem to hear something new. Or I am drawn to a different character and I experience it through their eyes and there is a moment of revelation.

At First United Church, Truro

This year as we gather for worship we will hear the story through a number of different voices. At 5:30, the animals that shared the stable with Mary and Joseph and Jesus will share their memories with us. At 7pm we will walk with Mary and hear her story and at 10pm we will look to see the light and celebrate where love is growing in our world. If you are in the neighbourhood, why not come worship with us. Everyone is welcome. (at First United Church, Truro, Nova Scotia)

New Words to an Old Tune

This year Chris and I again ventured into the realm of hymn writing and created new words to an old tune. It tells the story that is as ancient as time itself and as new as this moment.

Good News Rang Out (Tune – It Came Upon A Midnight Clear)

Young Mary heard the spirit speak.
Its whisper filled the air.
She opened up her mind and soul;
The gift of love to bear.
Young Joseph also heard the word
That he was called to be
The one to bring into the world
The light for all to see

They did not know how life would be
Or what each day would bring,
But they would hold this child divine
And teach him how to sing.
And on a night so long ago
Beneath the starry sky
Good news rang out through all the earth
As came the birthing cry.

The shepherds left the hills that night.
The Magi journeyed long.
They worshipped him and shared their gifts
Their voices joined in song
They sang of hope and peace for all;
It echoed through the land
And all who heard were blessed and changed-
For love they took a stand.

May you journey to the stable once again; may the holy mystery fill your soul; may you be blessed and changed.

Blessings
Valerie