Dear New Horizon family,

In our daily devotional today, we were so aptly reminded…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. —ISAIAH 9:6 (ESV)

The beautiful and terrible always live side by side. It’s a strange reality. Tomorrow evening, we meet for a particular Blue Christmas Service to hold the tension of our current struggles.

Merciful God, In this season of rejoicing, we come to you weary and grieving. In this season of feasting, we hunger for healing and relief. In this season of light, our hearts are veiled in sorrow and shadow. Will this season ever end? “Yes.” We hear your, “Yes.” Those who are weary will find rest. Those who mourn will be comforted.  Those who hunger will be filled. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it.

This week, we pray that as Christmas Eve approaches, we will live in a place of celebration, joy, peace, hope, and love no matter what we face.  The gift of our Cantata Music still resonates in my mind this week. The blessings of ancient music remind us of human longings and struggles over the Centuries, and above all, Christ’s love remains steadfast.

Blessings Jacqui