IT IS AS IF INFANCY WERE THE WHOLE OF INCARNATION
by Luci Shaw
One time of the year the new-born child is everywhere,
planted in Madonna’s arms, hay mows, stables, in palaces or farms,
or quaintly, under snowed gables, gothic angular or baroque plump, naked or elaborately swathed, encircled by Della Robia wreaths, garnished with whimsical partridges and pears, drummers and drums, lit by oversize stars, partnered with lambs, peace doves, sugar plums, bells, plastic camels in sets of three as if these were what we need for eternity.
But Jesus the Man is not to be seen.
We are too wary, these days, of beards and sandalled feet.
Yet if we celebrate, let it be that he has invaded our lives with purpose, striding over our picturesque traditions, our shallow sentiment, overturning our cash registers, wielding his peace like a sword, rescuing us into reality demanding much more than the milk and the softness and the mother warmth of the baby in the storefront crèche
(only the Man would ask all, of each of us)
reaching out always, urgently, with strong eĄective love
(only the Man would give his life and live again for love of us.)
Oh come, let us adore him—Christ—the Lord.
Intentional Inviting
December
14th – 3rd Sunday of Advent –
14th – Christmas Carol Singalong 14th – Angel Tree gifts due
21st – 4th Sunday of Advent – LOVE
Coffee Fellowship before worship
24th – Christmas Eve candlelight 7 pm SAVE THE DATE & TIME
Please join us for a coffee fellowship on Sunday December 21st
before and after 9:15 am worship

Thorndale Learning Center
Thank you for your prayers for the preschool. At a recent chapel time, the children knew that Christmas was about celebrating Jesus' birthday. Seeds are being planted. May our prayers continue to water the preschool program and those who attend.
Thorndale Learning Center prayer request cards for December -January are at the Welcome Center. 
Intentional Giving
ANGEL TREE gifts, due no later than 12.14, may be left under the tree in the Welcome Center.
Your donation of 265 hats & 331 pairs of gloves was deeply appreciated and arrived just in time!
Thank you for helping to make Christmas special for our kids at Caln, and for your continuing prayers for this ministry. Holly Orr Caln School Coordinator
CYWA says THANK YOU for your generosity!

Your November contributions to CYWA’s food cupboard weighed 137 pounds for a year-to-date grand total of 866 pounds! (Please place items in the brown wicker basket near the bulletin board.)
TUMC Oące-(610)384-2433
TUMC Office-(610)384-2433
Office email: office@thorndaleumc.org
Pastor Gary’s email:pastorgary@thornaleumc.org
Office hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-2pm