“Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.” It may be hard to believe that one of the most obvious aspects of the First Christmas was that of silence. Just think about that for a minute. In all of the more significant moments of this great time, there was silence before, during, and after for various reasons. This is important for us to realize that we are just days away from that “Most Holy Night.” This has been more than substantiated by the mention of Zechariah’s plight in the New Testament Gospel of today and is also revealed in the process by which silver is purified as was described in our First Reading of today: “For he is like the refiner’s fire, or like the fuller’s lye.” Both references open the door to the mystery of becoming silent and still, especially today.
Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. The next ten days will seem like a blur, and then we return to the same grind and routine that we left; if we did at all. This is why the time is running out on the quality of our Christmas this year and perhaps for the rest of the year. When we walk into the inner room of silence, we can discover gifts that renew and strengthen our very souls. We find God. We chance upon compassion and humility. And we find peace if we can slow down that inner voice and frenetic pace and breathe. God’s presence now more than ever at Christmas is beyond words. As we venture more and more into this inner quiet, we find our lightness of being, our true selves, the end to worry, and a front-row seat at the manger. God is very close in these moments. Make yourself an appointment with the quiet.
Out of the silence, there was music.
Out of the darkness, there was light.
Out of uncertainty, there was a promise.
You see, Hope was born that night.
Board Member
Everyone needs to have a Ray “Redfish” for a friend or at least to meet one like him before you leave the planet. He has never been known to interrupt a single person, say an unkind thing, although he did come close during the last Dallas Cowboy game, or leave any food on his plate. Ray wants to live in a world where Jesus is Lord, life is sacred, and blessings never end.
Board Member
Grateful for an amazing group of friends and a life that has been blessed and enriched by so many, Andrea brings a deep joy and dedication to the mission of CityOfAgape. She is detail-oriented and uses her experience and foresight to proactively address the needs of those around her. When you speak with Andrea, you feel like you’re the only one in the room.
Board Member
Father David comes from the land of Iowa where you can get sunburn and frostbite all in the same week. He has the mind of an architect and the soul of a musician. Father David has given his heart to Jesus and truly lives in the Kingdom. An accomplished guitarist, drummer, phenomenal preacher, he has the voice of a baritone angel. His prayers are powerful and his humor, well… it’s Iowan.
Secretary/Treasurer
Every day, for nine months, an intermittent light rain falls in Seattle, Washington. Those days are brightened by the warm smile and hopeful outlook on life that Angelyn brings to every encounter. Her financial expertise and engaging conversation has ensured great things ahead for CityOfAgape. Her life is filled with a constant welcome that is focused and friendly.
President
Jacqueline’s life epitomizes hard work, creative service and complete dedication, not only to CityOfAgape, but also to her husband, Joshua, and her beautiful children. Her smile, even when things are difficult, is refreshing and comforting. In most currently used English dictionaries, under the word “energy,” you will find Jacqueline’s picture.
Secretary/Treasurer
Janice is not only meticulous in reviewing records and requests for Scriptures, but her eyes well-up with joyful tears when you ask her about all the letters she has received from the thousands of Bible recipients over the years. She loves gardening and listening to the earth; her life is like a long stroll through an intriguing and engaging nature center.
Board Member
Father James’ priestly service has taken him to four different countries, many parish settings, and in contact with more friends that rivals most politicians. One of his favorite quotes is by G.K. Chesterton, “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” If there are sounds of a lively discussion, mixed with hearty laughter and the aroma of a good cigar, Father James can’t be too far way.
Founder and President Emeritus
The minute John walks through the door, your IQ goes up. He embodies the remarkable talent of grasping the bigger picture while juggling multiple points of view, in a world where many are very one-sided. Always happy, even when he is sad, John is ready to challenge and comfort all in the same breath. Where some only see problems, John sees the bright promise of tomorrow. His inspiration and memory will outlast his years on earth. John always says, “there are always miracles where there is great love.”