December 25, 2010

Yesterday, Christmas Eve was magical on Snowshoe Mountain.  The trees were encased in snow white crystals.  The sunlight reflecting over the snow covering made for a truly memorable Christmas Eve service at Chapel on the Mount (St. Bernard’s Chapel).  The congregation in the Chapel included 300 guests and home owners.  The choir was outstanding (Martha, Sue, Thomas, Mike, Doug, Sally, Doris, Caroline and Gillian).  The service went smoothly.  I would like to thank the ushers (Fred, Jay, Martin, Rodney, Michael, Ronnie and Tim).  The service would have been much poorer without the assistance of Hannah, Ashley, Connie and Steve.

Yesterday Sally Adkins sent me a poem by her brother the Reverend David Kirk , I would like to share it with you:

“Special Grace”

Tis the time of special grace

Eternity touches troubled earth

Shows us a merciful face

Tis the season of God’s birth.

Tis the time of special grace

Light invades the darkest night

Illuminating every earthly place

The poor are rich, the blind have sight.

Tis the time of special grace

The gift of love is on display

I see it now in your face

This love, this truth, the way.

Tis the time of special grace

Sound the chimes, a child is born

A son given to the human race

Ring the bells, blow the horns.

Tis the time of special grace

Peace comes to touch the earth

Hope enters our deepest space

Tis the season of God’s birth.

David Kirk

May you and yours have a joyous and holy Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year

Jim+