Thank You Lord for the Year Past and Bless Us in the Year Ahead

We give Thee our most humble and hearty thanks O God, for blessings without number which we have received from Three in 2014, for all Thy goodness and loving kindness, for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life. And, we beseech Thee, give us that due sense of all Thy mercies, that our hearts may be truly thankful for all things, and that we show forth Thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to Thy service and by walking before Thee in holiness and righteousness all our days. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Lord, we pray for all mankind in 2015, that we may brought to know, love and serve Thee. We pray for Thy Holy Church throughout all the world and especially for our own part of the Church, for our Bishops, Priests, Deacons and People.

We pray for the employed, that they may work as unto Thee and not unto men. We pray for the unemployed, that they may find work and be saved from despondency. Be Thou their strength in adversity.

We pray that the sick be healed, the hungry fed, the mourners comforted, the poor succored and the afflicted in mind and body be firmly held in Thy deep peace, that peace which passeth all understanding.

Bless our friends and enemies and grant us all the spirit of penitence, that we may be forgiven through the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ or Savior, who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen.

We wish you every blessing in the year ahead.

Fr. Jim and the Parish Committee of Holy Name of Jesus

Center for Women in Government & Civil Society – 2015 NEW Leadership New York Summer Institute

NLNY

Applications are now open for the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society’s 2015 NEW Leadership™ New York! Summer Institute

The Summer Institute is an exciting undergraduate leader development program at the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society. NEW Leadership™ New York (NLNY), is part of the National Education for Women’s (NEW) Leadership Network.

The goals of NLNY are to strengthen policy knowledge and skills of undergraduate women, and invite them to become advocates for positive social change. This intensive week-long summer Institute encourages leadership through action, and urges participants upon graduation from the program to develop and lead a campus/community project by offering competitive mini grant awards. The Institute will be held from Wednesday, May 27th through Tuesday, June 2nd, 2015 at the University at Albany campus.

NLNY is open to undergraduate women enrolled at New York State colleges and universities, and to New York State residents enrolled in colleges and universities outside of New York.

Applications are available online. All applications must be received by March 1, 2015.

Job Openings for December 29, 2014

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Bethlehem Branch of the Capital District YMCA – Swim Coach-Master’s Swimming

The Bethlehem Branch of the Capital District YMCA is looking to fill the part time position of Swim Coach-Master’s Swimming. Under the general direction of the Aquatics Director, plans, implements, supervises and evaluates the competitive swim program. Acts as the director of swim team practices meets and delegate’s responsibilities to other staff as needed.

Job Requirements: Minimum of three years’ experience in all levels of competitive swim participation at the scholastic, collegiate or club level. Previous swim team coaching experience required. Current CPR, First Aid, AED and Lifeguarding for the Professional Rescuer certification (YMCA or Red Cross). Be able to pass the CDYMCA swim test, as administered by the Aquatic Director.

Principal Responsibilities: Screen and interview swim team staff for recommendation for hiring. Train and evaluate staff. Obtain feedback on the program and share with Aquatics Director. Schedule practices and competitions. Manage and direct team activity during practices and meets. Manage the competitions scheduled at the YMCA. Promote and market the program to the community. Manager the registration process for the competitive program. Manage the budget for the program and provide related information to the Aquatics Director as needed. Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. All other duties, as assigned.

Scheduled Shift: Part time, 1st and 3rd shifts, evenings and weekends, Wednesday 6pm-8pm, Sunday 7am-9am, Approx. 5 hrs. per week
Hourly Rate: $9.00 – $11.00 per hour Deadline: 1/1/2015

Please forward resumes or applications to: Zahara Moore, Aquatics Coordinator, Capital District YMCA- Bethlehem Area 900 Delaware Ave., Delmar, NY 12054, or by E-mail.

Bethlehem Area Branch of the Capital District YMCA – Custodian

The Bethlehem Area Branch of the Capital District YMCA is looking to fill the part time position of a Custodian. Under the direction of the Property Director, the custodian is responsible for cleaning the facility according to the standards of the CDYMCA.

Job Requirements: HS diploma/GED required. One year prior experience in custodial work preferred. Must have reliable transportation. Excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills.

Principal Responsibilities: Follow and complete daily housekeeping work schedule in all assigned areas. Clean and sanitize assigned areas, according to established procedures and standards. Assist with building repairs as requested. Assist in snow removal or lawn grooming when necessary. Assist in set up and cleanup of rooms for special events. Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. Other duties, as directed.

Scheduled Shift: part time; Saturdays and Sundays, 8-10 hrs. a day Hourly Rate: $9.00 per hour
Deadline: Open

Please forward resumes or applications to: Chris Chimento, Property Director, Capital District YMCA – Bethlehem Area Branch 900 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054, or by E-mail.

East Greenbush Branch of the Capital District YMCA – Lifeguard

The East Greenbush Branch of the Capital District YMCA is looking to fill part time positions for Lifeguard. Under the direction of the Aquatics Director, the lifeguard carries the primary responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of all persons in the pool area. The lifeguard enforces all pool rules and regulations and uses good judgment and experience to prevent accidents. If an incident or accident occurs, the lifeguard will act within CDYMCA procedures in aiding the individual(s).

Job Requirements: Minimum of 18 years of age. Current CPR, First Aid, AED, and Lifeguarding certifications (YMCA or Red Cross). Be able to pass the CDYMCA swim test, as administered by the Aquatic Director.

Principal Responsibilities: To actively guard the pool from a standing position or lifeguard chair, at all times and never leave the pool unattended. Prior to ever leaving the pool, arranges for relief by a certified lifeguard or clear the pool of all swimmers and lock the door until a certified lifeguard appears. Never engages in extended conversations or other activities while guarding the pool. Enforce pool rules and regulations of the CDYMCA as well as any branch specific regulations. Signal infraction of pool rule through use of a whistle, which should be carried at all times. Set up lane lines and safety ropes as required by pool program scheduling. Ensure the pool area is neat and clean prior to ending shift (pick up kick boards, pull buoys and ropes, check safety equipment, etc.). Interact with all members and staff in a professional, courteous and friendly manner. Open and close the pool according to the branch procedures.
In the case of an emergency during a lock-in, close the pool and immediately respond. Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. All other duties, as assigned.

Available Shifts: Part Time; approx. 10-15 hrs. Daytime Hours 5:30am-2:30pm Deadline: 1/1/2015
Pay Range: $8.00-10.00

Please send all applications and resumes to: Jennifer Kendrick, Regional Aquatics Director, Capital District YMCA, Troy Family Branch and East Greenbush Branch, 20 Community Way, East Greenbush, NY 12061 or by E-mail.

East Greenbush Branch of the Capital District YMCA – Swim Instructor

The East Greenbush Branch of the Capital District YMCA is looking to fill the part time position of Swim Instructor. Under the direction of the Aquatics Director, the swim instructor leads classes at the YMCA in accordance with the policies and guidelines of the association. Instructors ensure safety at all costs and maintain an effective, quality program.

Job Requirements: Minimum of 16 years of age. Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications (YMCA or Red Cross). Be able to pass the CDYMCA swim test, as administered by the Aquatic Director.

Principal Responsibilities: Ensure pool area and plans are ready prior to the start time of the class. Greet all class participants and/or family members in a courteous and friendly manner. Follow all YMCA instruction standards. Maintain accurate attendance records for each class. Maintain accurate class skills performance records in the appropriate areas. Complete class certificates at the end of each session and distribute with program evaluations. At all times, maintain physical presence with class. At all times, remain aware of pool surroundings and people in it. Put equipment away at the completion of each class. Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. All other duties, as assigned.

Available Shifts: Part Time; approx. 15-20 hrs. Per week (day, evening and weekend hrs.)
Deadline: 1/31/2015
Pay Range: $8.00 – 8.50

Jennifer Kendrick, Regional Aquatics Director, Capital District YMCA, Troy Family Branch and East Greenbush Branch, 20 Community Way, East Greenbush, NY 12061 or by E-mail.

Troy Branch of the Capital District YMCA – Activities Assistant

The Troy Branch of the Capital District YMCA is looking to fill the part time position of Activities Assistant. Under the direction of the Site Supervisor, the Activities Assistant is responsible for assisting with the implementation of all school age child care activities.

Job Requirements: Must be 16 years of age. Prior experience working with children preferred. Submission of NYS Medical Statement of Childcare Staff Form documenting physician clearance to work in a childcare setting. TB Test which meets Health and Social Service requirement. Clearance from Criminal Background check. Maintain 15 hours of childcare related training annually. Excellent human relation skills, good organizational and communication skills.

Principal Responsibilities: Assist in preparation and implementation of all activities for the site. Assist the site staff with distribution and cleanup of daily snack. Work with the children in small groups with age appropriate activities such as crafts, games, clubs and science. Maintain clean, neat and organized environment at the site. Maintain a safe and secure environment for all program participants. Appropriately communicate with parents. Maintain all applicable state regulations re: school age child care programs. Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. All other duties, as requested.

Scheduled Shift: Part time; 1st, and 2nd shifts, evenings, 1:30pm – 5:30pm, Approx. 20-25 hrs. Per week
Pay Range: $9.00
Deadline: 1/30/15

Please forward resumes or applications to: Margaret Maliski, Childcare and Summer Camp Director Capital District YMCA – Troy Family Branch, 2500 21st Street, Troy, NY 12180 or by E-mail.

KidzLodge Early Learning & Adventure Center – Assistant Teacher

The KidzLodge Early Learning & Adventure Center is looking for dynamic individuals to fill full time positions of Assistant Teacher. Under the general direction of the KidzLodge Director, the childcare assistant teacher is responsible for assisting with the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate childcare program.

Job Requirements: AAS in Child Development, Elementary Ed, Physical Ed, Recreation or related field OR HS Degree/GED and two years direct experience with children under age 13 OR Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of the YMCA and its capacity to build strong kids, families and communities. The ability to articulate and model YMCA’s four core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibilities are essential.

Principal Responsibilities: To assist with planning, implementing and supervising a developmentally and academically appropriate curriculum for the assigned program. Maintain daily schedules of activities, etc. Maintain an organized, clean and safe learning and recreational environment for all program areas. Develop and consistently maintain appropriate and professional communication with parents. Train children and parents on emergency procedures in compliance with OCFS regulations. Maintain inventory of equipment and supplies. Ensure all applicable OCFS regulations are followed, including but not limited to ratios, child abuse reporting and emergency procedures. Maintain all required records and logs. Maintain cleanliness of facility as a member of Clean Team. All other duties, as requested.

Scheduled Shifts: Full time; 9am-6pm
Pay Range: $9.54
Deadline: 1/2/2015

Please send all applications and resumes to: Elizabeth Volkmann, Assistant Daycare Director, Capital District YMCA – KidzLodge Early Learning & Adventure Center 47 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park, NY 12065 or by E-mail.

Schenectady College Community College – Network Specialist (IT)

For more information please visit the SCCC website.

Salary: $45,000; includes an excellent fringe benefit package.
To view the job description and position requirements, visit here.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Schenectady College Community College – PC Support Specialist – Provisional – (IT)

Salary: $43,295/year

To view the job description and position requirements, visit here.

This position is a competitive civil service position. Permanent appointment will be contingent upon successful completion of a civil service examination and becoming reachable on the resulting eligible list. If you are interested in applying for this provisional position, please submit a Civil Service application. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Disability Rights New York – Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) provides both operational and programmatic support to the organization. The CFO is responsible for the oversight of DRNY’s administrative functions including Finance and Payroll, Outsourced IT, Billing and Purchasing, Human Resources and Facilities related matters. The CFO reports directly to the Executive Director.

Essential Functions: Partner with the Executive Director to support the strategic vision of DRNY including fostering and cultivating stakeholder relationships on city, state, and national levels, as well as assisting in the development and negotiation of federal, state and private grants. Act as the Internal Control Officer of the organization and ensure that adequate financial controls are developed and implemented. Provide the Executive Director with an operating budget. Work with the Legal Director to ensure programmatic success through cost analysis support, and compliance with all contractual and programmatic requirements. This includes: 1) interpreting legislative and programmatic rules and regulations to ensure compliance with all federal, state, local and contractual guidelines, 2) ensuring that all government regulations and requirements are disseminated to appropriate personnel, and 3) monitoring compliance. Oversee the management and coordination of all fiscal reporting activities for the organization including: organizational revenue/expense and balance sheet reports, reports to funding federal agencies, development and monitoring of organizational and contract/grant budgets. Oversee all purchasing and payroll activity for staff and participants. Oversee the coordination and activities of independent auditors ensuring all A-133 audit issues are resolved, and all 403(b) compliance issues are met, and the preparation of the annual financial statements is in accordance with U.S. GAAP and federal, state and other required supplementary schedules and information. Attend Board meetings; including being the lead staff on all Audit/Finance Issues. Monitor banking activities of the organization. Ensure adequate cash flow to meet the organization’s needs. Investigate cost-effective benefit plans and other fringe benefits which the organization may offer employees with the goal of attracting and retaining qualified individuals. Oversee the production of monthly reports including reconciliations with funders, as well as financial statements and cash flow projections for use by Executive management, as well as the Board of Directors. Assist in the design, implementation, and timely calculations of salaries for the staff. Oversee Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable and ensure a disaster recovery plan is in place. Oversee business insurance plans and health care coverage analysis. The CFO will oversee the Human Resources Director and the Human Resources function to support organizational and department strategies, operations compliance, recruitment, hiring, and oversee the processes for compensation. Oversee the maintenance of the inventory of all fixed assets, including assets purchased with government funds (computers, etc.) assuring all are in accordance with federal requirements.

Requirements: The CFO should have a master’s degree in accounting or business administration, or a bachelor’s degree and 10+ years’ equivalent business skills and experience partnering with an executive team, CPA License preferred. Experience managing financial operations in a non-profit or governmental accounting setting strongly preferred. At least five (5) years’ experience in a financial management or CFO position and demonstrated executive finance skills. Exceptional communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills which align with a non- profit organization. Knowledge and understanding of Human Resources and payroll. Will be expected to travel within and outside the state as necessary.
Compensation is commensurate with experience, excellent benefits. Please submit salary requirements when applying for this position.

Please apply on-line.

New York State Civil Service Exam Announcements

The New York State Department of Civil Service, announces the following examination announcements.

Open-Competitive Examination Announcements:

25-935, Assistant Claims Services Representative

25-927, Assistant Workers Compensation Examiner and 25-928, Assistant Workers Compensation Examiner (Spanish Language)

28-323, Instructor Of The Blind

28-324, Mobility Instructor

25-892, Park Manager 1

25-893, Park Manager 2 and 25-894, Park Manager 3

25-897, Park Supervisor 1, 25-898, Park Supervisor 2, and 25-899, Regional Park Maintenance Supervisor

25-912, Tax Compliance Agent 1 and 25-913, Tax Compliance Agent 1 (Spanish Language)

25-914, Tax Compliance Representative 1 and 25-915, Tax Compliance Representative 1 (Spanish Language)

25-916, Tax Compliance Agent Trainee and 25-917, Tax Compliance Agent Trainee (Spanish Language)

25-918, Taxpayer Services Rep 1 and 25-919, Taxpayer Services Rep 1 Spanish Language

Continuous Recruitment Open-Competitive Examination Announcements:

20-881, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, 20-882, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Manual Communications), and 20-883, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Spanish Language)

YOUTH POWER! – Hudson River Regional Youth Partner

YOUTH POWER! is the New York State network of young people who have been labeled and are seeking change. Through peer to peer mentoring, we empower young people to be active citizens that are aware of government operations, their rights and the ability to use their voices to influence policies, practices, regulations, and laws.

Position: Hudson River Regional Youth Partner – The Regional Youth Partners are peer leaders that connect local youth groups, coordinate regional youth advocacy efforts and provide technical assistance on youth engagement and peer support.

Location: Albany, New York

Status: Full-time salary employee – Annual salary low 30s plus benefits package

Qualifications: Must have personal life experience accessing children’s mental health services and be willing to share this information publically. Additional experience with Disability, Foster Care, Addiction, or Juvenile Justice is beneficial. Bachelor’s or Associates Degree preferred but not required. Must have valid driver’s license, good driving record, and reliable transportation. Must be able to travel. Must pass a background check.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience: Independently motivated; Excellent coordination and organization skills; Experience with youth leadership and advocacy; Experience with peer support preferred; Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills; Demonstrated ability to engage with diverse groups; Demonstrated ability to speak with small and large groups of people; and Experience with various software packages: Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Go-To, Google applications

Application Process: Applicants must send a resume with a formal cover letter in order to be considered. The letter should indicate the title of the position that the applicant is seeking.

Mail to: YOUTH POWER!, Attn: Management Office, 737 Madison Avenue, Albany NY 12208 or via E-mail using the Subject: “Hudson RYP.”

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County – Nutritionists/Community Nutrition Educators

Description: Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Albany County is seeking qualified and experienced Nutritionists/Community Nutrition Educators to provide input into the planning for, and conducting the implementation of, public education to improve healthy food and lifestyle choices among SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) eligible families and individuals encompassing all age groups throughout the Greater Capital Region. As part of the Capital Region SNAP-Ed Program, Nutritionists assist in program development, assessment, evaluation, management and marketing as well as collaborate with the SNAP-Ed staff conducting social marketing and environmental activities.

The Greater Capital SNAP Ed Region includes Albany, Columbia, Greene, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington Counties.

Salary at the rate of $40,500 annually. Excellent benefits, based on eligibility.

All applications must be received on-line by January 9, 2015.

Questions regarding this position can be directed to Jim McNaughton, Human Resources Lead, via E-mail or by telephone at 518-765-3503. Applications must be submitted electronically to be considered.

Watch “A.D. The Series” with us

From the renowned producing team of Roma Downey and Mark Burnett comes A.D. on NBC (locally WNYT) – a landmark television event continuing where The Bible series left off.

A.D. starts with the Crucifixion and The Resurrection – catalysts that altered history. What follows is the epic tale of “A.D.” chronicling several of the most intense and tumultuous decades in history. The complicated birth of the early Church was a time filled with enormous faith, persecution, political intrigue, brutal Roman oppression and the desperate Jewish revolt. The entire world was transformed, and the course of human history would be forever changed.

A.D. tells its story through the eyes of the Apostles, Pilate, Caiaphas, the Jewish Zealots and the Herod family. With the Book of Acts and Paul’s letters as its foundation plus some artful use of history, A.D. shows why little has changed in two thousand years, but the church continues to change the world.

This Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2015, join our parish and millions of viewers for the premiere of A.D. and continue on a 12-week journey through what would become the most powerful global movement in history – the rise of the Church.

January 2015 Newsletter – Happy New Year! Happy Abundant Life!!!

January, we are left with a question. For all we have learned about abundant life in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will we decide to participate in that abundance? The New Year always presents an opportunity to make a turn, to pledge our lives to Christ and to membership in His Holy Church. This January we continue our celebration of the forty days of Christmas, we expand our Holy Mass schedule, and we continue our charitable work. Come be lavished with abundant life in your church – right here in Schenectady.

You may view and download a copy of our January 2015 Newsletter right here.

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Reflection for the Solemnity of the Humble Shepherds 2014

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Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands afar off; say, `He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd keeps his flock.’

Today we celebrate a special day within our Holy Church. Uniquely, we celebrate this Solemnity in honor of the humble shepherds that God chose to first hear word of His Son’s coming among us. He chose these simple shepherds, who were generally outcasts from society, to not just hear of His Son’s birth, but then to go forth and proclaim it to all: And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child.

In these days after the celebration of the Solemnity of the Nativity we may be tempted to relax a bit. The hustle-bustle seems to have died down a bit, yet if we look at our Church’s calendar we will notice that we are just getting started. That’s what happened to the shepherds. Their mission was just starting that night in Bethlehem. They recognized the preciousness and joy of the Lord’s birth and then got busy.

Getting busy means that we too recognize the meaning and import of the tremendous joy that is the coming of the Lord. This requires two things, two kinds of busyness.

We must keep this solemn season before our eyes and in our hearts. Jesus’ coming was not a one-time event. His coming as man marks only a beginning. He constantly stands before our doors, always knocking, asking that we allow Him to enter our homes and our lives. We have to get busy in answering the door. We need to open ourselves to Him and carry out His will for us. We have to recognize that His coming again remains immanent. We have to get busy in making His presence known to those who are not hearing the knock, who do not recognize it.

We must also respond in a special way, particularly the men among us. We encourage them to get busy in answering Jesus’ special call, for He needs those men to go out, as those humble shepherds did. Jesus is knocking and they are being called to make known the saying which had been told them concerning this child.

Our Holy Church is so blessed for we are not a Church at rest. Right here, in our community, we are busy working diligently at making the Lord’s coming known. We have among us those humble shepherds who have responded with joy to the Lord’s call to be busy about the work of the Lord as bishops, priests, and deacons. Let us give thanks for God’s tremendous blessings to our community and our Holy Church, for all who commit their lives to being busy about the Lord’s work.

Refleksje na Boże Narodzenie

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W Dzień Bożego Narodzenia przychodzimy do Kościoła, aby dotknąć tajemnicy Betlejem – domu chleba.

Przychodzimy, aby oddać chwale Bogu, który, jako jednorodzony Syn Boży przybywa pełen laski i prawdy.

Przychodzimy, aby dotknąć wielkiej tajemnicy Boga i człowieka.

Przychodzimy, aby rozmyślać nad naszym własnym zyciem.

Przyjście Jezusa na świat przyniosło ludzkości nadzieje, radość, pokój, wiarę w lepsze zycie.

Boże Dziecię ogłasza Dobra Nowinę o Zbawieniu.

Naszym zadaniem jest nieść ta Dobra Nowinę wszystkim, z którymi się spotkamy.

Życzę wszystkim radosnych, pogodnych i ciepłych Świat Bożego Narodzenia. Niech Boża Dziecina wam blogoswawi w waszym zyciu rodzinnym i osobistym.

Reflection for the Solemnity of the Nativity 2014

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The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light…

We know by faith that God is from eternity and for eternity. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit live in unity, peace, and complete mutual love and giving. They have always been and will always be together. They have it all – absolute truth, perfection, and justice. They have what we might consider, abundant life. They have abundance that is abundant!

I like to imagine the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit having a Board meeting in heaven, a sort of Parish Committee meeting. They were sitting around their table of abundance and were working out a plan. How can We possible share all this abundance with humanity? In Their perfect and abundant love They never brought up the fact that humanity had largely rejected Them, or that the the chosen people continued to walk in darkness after all They had done for Them. They focused on one thing – sharing Their abundance with humanity – not counting sins, but giving love. They worked out their plan. The Son would divest Himself of the abundance of heaven, its beauty and perfection, and would take up humanity. He would empty Himself of everything, even His life, so He could put it all in a big basket and hand it to us.

Nine months ago an angel appeared to Mary. He asked a question and she said yes. The Son was immediately sent to carry out Their plan. He was sent, as He would later say: so that we may have life and have it abundantly.

This night He lies in a manger. We must look beyond our symbolic mangers in church and at home to the manger of our hearts. His beautiful face is cradled in our hearts. His love is within each of us. His abundance fills us. He offers Himself to us – truly abundant life – over and over.

Certainly, life is not always easy nor does it seem abundant if we look at it with worldly eyes. Difficulties, struggles, and even suffering come. Yes, Jesus Christ’s abundance is greater and overcomes every obstacle because as His anointed and commissioned followers we fully share in His abundance. He has given us abundance without bounds or end.

On this day we have a chance. It is a great chance, an opportunity, a moment. Let us agree together to accept His abundance once again, to re-connect to it. Let us say: I desire only His abundance. I accept His promise and gift of abundant life.

I was remarking while watching TV a few days before Christmas that we are going to be seeing Valentine’s Day commercials starting the day after Christmas. Within a few seconds a Valentine’s Day commercial came on. Here too is an opportunity and a blessing. Remember that the theme of Valentine’s day is love. Today marks the start or re-start of our acceptance of abundant life in Jesus, the great gift of love shared with us as planned by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They gave us everything. Over the next fifty-one days between Christmas and Valentine’s Day let us give thanks and more closely recognize how blessed and loved we are. We have abundant life, love, healing and protection because on this night He emptied Himself so He could give it all to us. Thank you Lord for coming to give us abundant light, life, and love. Amen.