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Dear San Marco Church Family: This is the final blog for 2025, and it begins with Colleen’s reflections, as follows: “Thank you seems inadequate. As I may have mentioned before, the holidays are a time of trepidation for me. Amid all the preparation, I seem to collect bad experiences in the days from Thanksgiving to New Years. For several years, I measured the success of holidays by how much time was spent in hospital emergency rooms. So the undertaking of a San Marco Church Christmas Cantata might have seemed foolish. But actually it was an attempt to emphasize the true meaning of Advent, despite the chaos and stress. I am deeply grateful to everyone who not only indulged my vague and convoluted ideas but participated and contributed their insights, talents, and time to make the 2025 cantata a successful and meaningful celebration of Advent. I can’t list everyone’s name-while Steve is sharing this space so I can extend my gratitude he has limited my word count! I love and appreciate you all and recognize that I am truly blessed by my church family. Thank you.” Thank you, Colleen! As I listen to the evening news this week, there is much heartache and tragedy in our world. The sharp contrast between the joy of Christmas and the chaos and violence in our world is palpable. One reality becomes apparent; the people of our world need a savior. We need to be rescued from our own worst impulses. We need to be rescued from our selfishness, our fear, our hurt, and our perspective of scarcity. God understands all of this, and offers us full, permanent redemption! I am often challenged to trust in God’s presence and promises despite what I see all around me. Fortunately, you, the San Marco Church community, give me a reason to hope. I see faithfulness, hope, peace, joy, and love every Sunday! None of us is perfect, but I see patience, intentionality and good work in our community, and I look forward to sharing life with all of you in 2026! Remember that our Christmas Eve service is at 5pm this year, with a potluck meal and white elephant gift exchange to follow. Please also remember that on Sunday, December 28, our service will be online only! I look forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday, December 21, and on Christmas Eve. May you experience the love and grace of God this Christmas in new ways! Thank you for your prayers and support of San Marco Church! In Christ’s unfailing love, Steve Hart
stevehart100@gmail.com
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