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Friends United Meeting |
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December 2003
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Valiant for Truth By Trish Edwards-Konic A baby is coming! What excitement! What anticipation! But oh, the wait — it seems so long. Surely the carpenter Joseph made a cradle and surprised his betrothed, Mary, as he presented his gift to her, the cradle where Jesus would lay his head. They both imagined — the fire would be crackling, their new baby would lie contentedly, making cooing baby noises, and all would be right with the world. But the notice came that changed these quiet plans. For the census to be taken, they must now travel to the town of their ancestors, Bethlehem. By then, Mary knew it was nearing time for her baby to be born, but if the government says you have to go, you have to go. Traveling as carefully as they could, they arrived in Bethlehem after most people and the inns were already full. Joseph asked at many places but the answer was always the same, "Sorry, we are full." Dusk was falling and still the couple looked for a place to stay. Mary didn't want to worry Joseph, but she thought her time to deliver was nearing. Joseph, who didn't want to worry Mary, kept holding out hope that at the next place they would find lodging. Finally, as an innkeeper looked upon the couple in need, he offered what he had left — not much, not a good room, just the clean, dry stable he used for his animals out back. It was the best he had left and he didn't want the couple to be without shelter as dark approached. Mary was right; her labor was beginning. That night, with the help and encouragement of Joseph, she delivered a son, whom they named Jesus. And they looked upon him with love. In the anticipation of their dreams, they never considered being far from home and being among strangers. In the excitement of their dreams, they never envisioned giving birth in a stable. And after all the waiting, the cradle and home were far away. Yet, God answered their hearts. The anticipation of birth was replaced with the calm of His presence. The excitement was substituted as their new baby lay contentedly, making cooing baby noises from a manger. And after all the waiting, God sent shepherds to be family to them in this far-away place, to rejoice in Jesus' birth and spread the word of his arrival. It was from these simple things that Mary and Joseph drew comfort that God was in control. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus once again, in what ways, will you draw comfort that God is in control? Will you find that love is the guiding emotion of your preparations? If you are far from family, who will be family for you this year? How will you seek the calm of God's eternal presence? And are your eyes on Jesus as you prepare for Christmas Day, the celebration of his birth? A virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel, God with us. Matthew 1:23 |
COVER STORIES12 Reader's Response: 14 25 Thoughts After 25 Years of Pastoral
Ministry 17 Top 10 Things Quakers Agree On and/or Believe
FEATURES 4 News from Friends United Meeting 8 News 10 Salt and Light 11 A Quaker Christmas 13 Home for the Holidays 15 In Still Winter Nights 17 Soul Food 18 Reviews 25 Passages 28 Classified 29 Friends United Meeting Member Yearly Meetings 34 Viewpoints
ON THE COVER |
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Copyright (c) 2003 Friends United Meeting