I often find myself each year after Christmas reflecting on the holiday season. I reflect on the highs and lows of the season. I reflect on the times that were full of chaos and on the times that were quiet and still. I think back on what Christmas was like a few years ago, some memories bring tears to my eye and some make me laugh. This year I found myself the week leading up to Christmas filled with emotions. Perhaps I was filled with emotions since this was my first Christmas as an ordained pastor and we were able to worship in person.
Being able
to worship in person on Christmas Eve was amazing. There is something about the glow of a candle
lit sanctuary that just warms my heart.
It is so beautiful. And the smell
of the beeswax candles reminds me of church when I was a little girl. The children singing during the earlier
service was heartwarming. I love how
some of them were singing their hearts out and dancing, while others sang
quietly and tapped their toes to the beat.
This
Christmas, my first one as an ordained pastor, was full of emotions. I was excited to worship in person, a bit
nervous to sing the Preface, a little exhausted from the preparations, but
overall filled with joy and excitement to worship with you all. Now that we are past Christmas Eve worship,
my heart is still full of joy and excitement.
I am holding on to that joy and excitement, and I will treasure it for a
long time.
I am blessed
to be your associate pastor and I treasure these first moments as an ordained
pastor here at St. Mark. I pray the joy
of the birth of our savior, Jesus, will fill your heart today and always. I pray that each of you have a Blessed New
Year.
Peace,
Pastor Katrina Steingraeber
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