Christmas Message

Last year I attended an Advent Retreat at Kirtland Temple. In a moment of spiritual formation we were invited to select a picture with personal Advent meaning.

This picture of Mary and Elizabeth touched me. Both mother’s to be were sharing a sacred mutual knowing of discernment that their two sons would be born with divine purposes to fulfill. The deep magnitude of this forthcoming promise, coupled with their consecration of motherhood to nurture the desire of God through their own lives, is depicted in this picture for me. This picture is prominently placed upon my desk inviting me to reflect upon my own and all of our sacred callings to be the beloved sons and daughters God created, to fulfill our holy purposes in life. Advent births hope and promise of the incarnation gifted to us in Jesus that through him humanity and all creation might be fulfilled. In this time of celebrating Jesus’ birth, let us be jubilant with joy, hope, love and peace for God is at work in our midst. Even in these solemn days of distancing ourselves from those we love, God is with us. God longs for us as we long for one another. We have learned this year how to sense intimacy with loved ones in new ways, even the presence of one another from afar. Perhaps this has nurtured in us how we can experience God beyond our touch. The virtual oneness we envelop family and friends with also reaches the Divine. God is with us. The Spirit envelops us.
 
May we be enriched in the promise this Christmas of what matters most. We certainly have the time to dwell upon sacred meaning, May we capture the knowing moment of Mary and Elizabeth depicted in the picture to sense and be enveloped by Divine love. Be blessed as we envision 2021 with a new reality of sensed oneness and promise.
 
From my family to yours we uphold you in all the forthcoming promises of Advent resident within you. Hark! The angels sing!
 
With Meaning,
Kerry Richards
CEM President