That’s what the angel said to the shepherds in the second chapter of Luke. 
That’s what our little angels reminded us of in our recent Christmas pageant.
Jesus was born. Savior. Messiah. Lord. Promised One. Miraculously conceived. Humbly born.
Wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.
Love was born in Bethlehem. Joy was born in Bethlehem. Hope was born in Bethlehem.
That was – indeed – good news of great joy.
Good news still comes to us – even now in these difficult days, these terrible times.
John tested negative for Covid – as we all hoped and prayed would be the case. Thanks be to God.
Those in our congregation who are sick, hospitalized, recovering from surgery, unemployed are being loved and cared for. (If you are in need of prayer, support, and encouragement, please respond to this email and let us know. We are a community, a family – and we are committed to caring for each other, even now. Especially now. )
People who lost everything in the recent tornadoes are being fed, housed, and cared for. If you want to provide financial aid to those in need, click here and give through the Presbyterian Disaster Relief efforts.
Plans are underway to celebrate the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Saturday, January 15th. Here are the latest details from Helen Hull, who is coordinating this time of remembrance and action.
Lifting Our Voice: Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. On Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10 am, Caldwell will come together to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We’ll recognize in particular the impact of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, a turning point in the landscape of civic participation in our nation. Have a connection to the 1965 VRA? Love to vote? Want to help with the program? Please reach out to Helen Hull at 704-806-1410 or nchelen2012@gmail.com
Love, joy, and hope are still being born, even now.
All of this is good news of great joy.
The new year, 2022, is only a few days away.
As you look back on 2021, I invite you to spend some time this week prayerfully recalling the good news that has come to you this year. If you find it difficult to come up with much good news, why not ask God to remind you of some of the beauty and the blessings that this year has provided?
As you look ahead to 2022, I invite you to spend some time this week prayerfully asking God to strengthen you and prepare you for all that is to come. Ask God to get you ready to live into the plans that She has for you.
In these final days of 2021, I am spending time praying for you and for me – that in these days of Covid, anxiety, fear, and loss, we all will be bolstered with good news and great joy.
I pray that we will remember that, although there are many things to be afraid of, we are told over and over in Scripture, “Do not be afraid.” How can this be? Here’s how: Emmanuel, Caldwell; God is with us.
THAT is good news of great joy for all the people: God is with us. With you. With me. Even now. Especially now.
Grace and peace be with you all.
And happy new year.
Your sister and your friend, Gail
PS. If you are planning to make your final 2021 pledge payment this week, you can drop it in the mail before Friday, bring it to the church today, tomorrow, or Thursday, between 9 am and 2 pm. Or you can take care of it online here. Thank you, Caldwell, for your financial support of this work in 2021.