Monday, January 4, 2021

Cathy Stevens Gustafson

11th Day of Christmas

Merry Christmas, St. John’s! I am connected to your wonderful community because my little brother is Fr. Rob Stevens. Living in Evanston, IL, I am a member of Immanuel Lutheran, Chicago and work as the Village Forester in a neighboring community. It has been one of the silver linings of the pandemic to be able to witness Rob’s work and thus feel more connected to him and your community. Thank you for being a shining light!

It is still Christmas! Even after the “big” day, after New Year’s, it is still Christmas and all the Christmas merchandise is on sale in the stores. Rick & I used to go every New Years day to Marshall Field’s in downtown Chicago and be first in line to eat at the Walnut Room under the big Christmas tree. It was a great time to go because everything was still decorated & we had no problems getting a table. We would meet his Aunt for brunch/lunch and then afterwards we would shop. That was my favorite part! All of the Christmas stuff would be marked down to 75% off! I love getting a good deal. I often bought gifts for people for NEXT Christmas! It’s been a while since I’ve done that, but I still enjoy those memories and I still love getting a good deal!

Of course this year the Walnut Room is closed & I don't even know if they put up a tree. It has been a sad year and so hard for so many, but today it is still Christmas! God has become one of us and there is hope. See below a wonderful adaptation of Psalm 110 by Nan C. Merrill from Psalms for Praying, An Invitation to Wholeness. As you read and pray these words, please remember those whose reality is so different from yours and whose 2020 may have been so much worse.

You, O Divine Breath, dwell within

our hears; with

unconditional Love, You assuage

our fears.

You call us to holiness, to justice,

and integrity,

to free those bound by oppression,

to bring light where ignorance

and darkness dwell.

Come! Drink from the streams of

Living Water.

Come! Feast on the Bread of Life.

I love you all! It is still Christmas!