Today's Words of Encouragement and Inspirational Message is brought to you by Penny Hurley on behalf of the Compassionate Care Network.
Scripture: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Matthew 18:20
Our church exemplified compassion once again, as we quickly pivoted to offer Drive in Christmas Eve service. We were able to be the shining light of caring and greater safety in our community amid the uncertainty of the continuing pandemic. Float back and imagine the night Jesus was born, the travels and trials experienced by Mary and Joseph, overcoming all to have Mary give birth in a manger. Perhaps the simplicity and discomfort of this outside service, stripped of the expected regalia, sights and sounds, can deepen our faith and increase our understanding and empathy of that first cold, frightening, uncomfortable Christmas Eve that would bring such love to the world.
![Two women and two men, preparing to read the scripture and light the advent candles, outside.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/405e72_f0a001376ecf4a138a4b747a6652f4d2~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_80,h_60,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/405e72_f0a001376ecf4a138a4b747a6652f4d2~mv2.jpg)
![Cars parked with Pastor to the side](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/405e72_7a43a938eb2a4f9aa2da9b0b2aba84d7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_80,h_40,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/405e72_7a43a938eb2a4f9aa2da9b0b2aba84d7~mv2.jpg)
![Reverend Tom in Black Jacket and Suit reading scripture](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/405e72_d4891edb351c4434ae33022791712a40~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_60,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/405e72_d4891edb351c4434ae33022791712a40~mv2.jpg)
![a small manger on a knitted blanket with a candle on top of a car](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/405e72_cb011cca4cbd49f8a7e0c47d17317dfc~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_60,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/405e72_cb011cca4cbd49f8a7e0c47d17317dfc~mv2.jpg)
![wreath with advent candles lit](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/405e72_0b8579b27431456ea172957f32a8e9da~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_80,h_60,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/405e72_0b8579b27431456ea172957f32a8e9da~mv2.jpg)
![Nancy in White jacket reading at microphone](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/405e72_084b131d36db4136b4d3f08fbd560126~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_60,h_80,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/405e72_084b131d36db4136b4d3f08fbd560126~mv2.jpg)