From the General Presbyter
And he puzzled and puzzled, ’till his puzzler was sore.
-Dr. Suess, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!
“Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.
Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more!”

It is snowing as I write this. If I didn’t think I would fall and break something, I would be outside frolicking and making snow angels like an eight-year-old! Have you ever noticed in those Christmas movies that it always starts snowing at the end; the music starts playing, the family hugs one another and everyone is happy.
That is not the average person’s experience, especially in the year of our Lord – 2020. Fast forward to the present, snowy day notwithstanding – this Christmas is going to require patience, gratitude and centering. Patience, because we are in the “not yet” of this pandemic. The vaccine is coming, so don’t get lazy now. Gratitude, because you are alive and reading this Midweek, hopefully from home. You’ve worshipped with friends, even online and found your creative spirit! Centering, because our joy will come from inside of us, and maybe not fueled by large gatherings and perfectly set dinner tables.
If you are tempted to feel “Grinchy,” remember that nothing was going right in first century Palestine. Jesus was born in a barn and the family eventually became refugees in Egypt. I know you are tired, bored, and missing all those wonderful moments Christmas is supposed to deliver. Me too. And yet, my eight-year-old self still insists on appreciating the beauty of the snow, the twinkling lights and the promise and hope that the Christ child brings to all of us.
Merry Christmas, Presbytery of Baltimore! May God alight in your homes and your hearts and bring you joy!
– Jackie