Rests | Forevermore
Merry Christmas, church.
I want to thank everyone who took part in our Advent journey. Whether you read a post, watched a Tuesday timeout, attended worship in person or online, or lit a candle with intention, your presence this season was a meaningful source of encouragement and joy.
Thank you!
It’s hard to believe we're now in the Christmastide season. Over the next twelve days, we celebrate the good news that God loves the world so much and that eternity is revealed in a baby. During the twelve days of Christmas, we reflect on the mystery of Love made flesh, entering history once again and pondering the paradox of God’s grand creation and the particularity of the manger. We hold onto the good news that we are God’s beloved.
So, today, tomorrow, and the days ahead, take time to be present. Listen for the sounds of the angelic choir—whether in Bird songs, children’s laughter, knowledge shared in stories told by the wisest among us, or the soothing silence while drinking your tea—and let it be enough. Because it is—and you are.
One of my favorite theologians, Sr. Ilia Delio has this great poem about today I can’t help but share.
What do the stars say?
The light that meets our eyes after millions of years summons us to look beyond.
The dark that hovers over us is filled with light.
That underneath the appearance of the stable heavens is the bubbling energy of the universe.
We are forming, forming, forming and nothing can stop us.
There is a palpable power of attraction, pulling us toward we-know-not-where.
Love alone is the guide of the universe and the whole universe is in the human heart.
Tend to the heart and the power of love will name itself as God.
Today, we celebrate the joyful news that Love rests upon us all. Although it’s a foggy Christmas Day here in Lincoln, it remains a day filled with the illuminating presence of the Incarnation. The darkness of Love’s womb gives birth to the hope, peace, and joy we have been waiting for.
Also, for those who woke up feeling a bit tenderhearted this morning and might experience grief at some point today, remember that part of the Christmas story is that God understands what it’s like to be human. God accepts all of our parts and knows how we feel. Not only that, but S/He welcomes them and breathes with us when we laugh and when we cry. I heard it once put that God is as close as the air we breathe and the heartbeats within our chest. I don’t know about you, but that’s some good news.
And the thing is, this is good news today and will be good news forevermore.
So, as I tried to articulate last night in my sermon, let the story change you. Allow the mystery of the particularity of the Christ child disrupt your life and let the love of God transform your heart. After all, each of us is a little word of the Word of God, a mini-incarnation of divine love.
Who knew I had more words left to write? If you read this, thank you! Now, go move the three wise folks a little closer to your creche. But don’t bring them to the manger just yet. They’ve got 11 more days of travel!
A very Merry Christmas to all of you!
With Deep Love and Admiration,
The Rev. Dr. Adam R. Quine
Christmas 2025
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