Pastor

Rev. Rhonda Kouterick

First United Methodist Church in Horseheads

1034 W. Broad St.

Horseheads, N. Y.  14845

Telephone: (607) 739-1943

Email:  hhdsfirstUMC@stny.rr.com

December 2020

Pastor’s Corner: 

From Pastor Rhonda 

As I write for the December Newsletter, I wonder where the year has gone; yet at the same time I can hardly wait for the days to pass until 2020 draws to a close and the COVID 19 pandemic subsides with the distribution of a vaccine and the country settles into some semblance of normalcy. 

I wonder too, about the tumultuous year Mary and Joseph had experienced so long ago. An engagement, nearly breaking the betrothal, visits from angels, a long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem demanded by the government census, and the birth of a beautiful baby in a stable. A long year of ups and downs. 

And for the Wise men, imagine them reading the signs, praying, discerning, and deciding to set out and follow a star. We usually only picture three camels; but these were three kings, so their retinue would likely have stretched over quite a distance. Think of the preparations they made for their journey, and Mary and Joseph for theirs. 

This year as we prepare for Christmas, our journey through Advent will be the same in some ways and yet quite different in others.   At my house there’ll be fewer cookies, no one traveling home so simpler decorations, but more phone calls and even a ZOOM call or two. We’ll take comfort in knowing that Christmas 2021 holds the possibility of being together again, and that the story of God with us, Immanuel, remains unchanged. 

Take time each day of Advent to reflect and talk with God. Know the blessing of reading the opening chapters of Matthew and Luke. Travel with the Wise men in spirit so that you too, may find Immanuel and worship.                                                                Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea, during the time when Herod was king. Soon afterward, some men who studied the stars came from the East to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the baby born to be king of the Jews? We saw his star when it came up in the east, and we have come to worship him.”      Matthew 2:1-2 TEV