Mother Brenda’s Christmas Letter

Dear Ones,

A couple of weeks ago, I was very impressed with the amazing choreography and stunning singing in the new “Wicked” movie. But what really stood out for me was the message that one, small person can make a huge difference in somebody else's life—especially when a young person is seen as different from others. Everything can change when one of the popular kids declares the previously marginalized person worthy of friendship. Just ask any parent of a middle school-aged kid, and they’ll confirm, a classroom policy doesn’t have the power to change those dynamics, but one kid absolutely does!

This concept carried over into my Christmas shopping as I contemplated donations on behalf of friends and family. In particular, I like contributing to “88bikes”, because one caring guy had the idea of helping one young woman at a time by providing them a bike (each bike costs $88). In poverty-stricken countries, owning a bike leads to other opportunities for individual women, such as the ability to attend school, start a delivery business, or take a job outside the home.  

Similarly, the love of God didn’t come to us in the form of a wordy edict or a majestic ruler, rather in a tiny, vulnerable baby. Just one baby, born because one woman was willing to be the vessel for Jesus’s incarnation. And, in turn, we share God’s love with others—one person at a time.

As we gather, then, in sacred worship—in person or online—recalling the miracle of Christmas, I give thanks for each and every one of you! I am blessed by your presence in my life, and celebrate the ways we share God’s love, grace and mercy with the world around us—one person at a time.

Merry Christmas!

The Rev. Brenda J. Sol, Rector