God's Greatest Gift

     "There is much in this world that doubt cannot explain.”  So says one of my favorite theologians, Garrison Keillor.  He was speaking about the event we Christians just celebrated: the birth of Jesus, the Son of God.  It’s a story with an unlikely group of characters: a young virgin, her confused fiancé, an unwelcoming innkeeper, angels, shepherds, Eastern dignitaries, a cow and a donkey (according to my manger scene).  The Son of God born in a stable, wrapped in “swaddling cloths” and laid in a feed trough beneath a bright, shining star while these unlikely characters looked on.

   There is much to be skeptical about in this story.  Yet, it is the cornerstone of our faith.  People come out in the middle of the night and gather in beautifully decorated churches where they hold candles and sing “Silent Night” with tears in their eyes.  God has come into the world in human form.  The world will never be the same.  Light has come into the darkness and the darkness will never overcome it. Good has triumphed over evil. Love has conquered hate.  We have nothing to fear, not even death itself, because of God’s greatest gift.

   There is tremendous goodness in the world. Unfortunately, we often tend to focus more on the badness in the world than the goodness.  As I sat watching people come forward with their “Estimate of Giving” cards on Consecration Sunday last month, I was struck by the incredible goodness of the people of St. Paul’s.  After reflecting on how good God has been to us, we agreed to give back to God.  We have 35 new pledges in 2008 and our pledged income increased more than 20%.  Thank you.

   The most moving moment for me was watching people come forward and place their card in the basket on the altar.  I know some of your stories now.  I know some of the many ways you give generously of time, talent and treasure here at St. Paul’s and in the wider community and world.  We have enormous potential to do good with our compassionate hearts and the resources God has blessed us with.  It might seem as though we are as unlikely a group of characters as those who were there that first Christmas, but God works through us all the same.

   As we celebrate God’s greatest gift – Jesus Christ – this Christmas season, I am grateful for the many ways you give generously to make this parish “a place for everyone.”  I continue to be amazed at the marvelous ministry that takes place here each day.  I am grateful for the many ways you have been personally supportive of Sue and I in our first two years here.  We are very blessed.

Bill Van Oss