This is a Christmas we will remember a very long time because of all we are unable to do – we cannot gather with extended family, worship in a decorated church building with friends so dear to our hearts, lean into the preacher’s sermon from our place in the pews or even sing our hearts out on the familiar carols. This year we are reminded that so much in our lives is a jumble and if it depended on us, we would not be able to rise from our resting place by the sheep we tend to go off to Bethlehem to check out the news the angel has just spoken.

It is that way every year, really; which is the whole point of Christmas. Before the adolescent voice of a teenage shepherd can ring out, God has already taken that shepherd’s line to heart. It is God, who first picks up and goes. It is God, who has come to us, in the wee child, who waits to be noticed in the manger.

Read Bishop Lull's Christmas message.