January 1, 2022

How strange it was for Cheri and me not to attend Asbury's Christmas Eve Service for the first time since 1993. Our absence was due to our son, Wendell, testing positive for Covid while visiting us for Christmas. Fortunately, Wendell is doing fine now and is back in New York. Miraculously, Cheri and I have continued to keep testing negative. I want to thank everyone who helped with the Christmas Eve Service in my absence, especially Ernie Lee and Danny Beam, who filled in for me. Cheri and I, of course, watched the live streaming on television and was blessed by the glorious service.

I will be back at church tomorrow for what is one of my favorite Sundays of the year, Epiphany Sunday. The Day of Epiphany is actually January 6th. It concludes Christmastide which last 12 days (The 12 Days of Christmas). If January 6th does not fall on a Sunday, Epiphany is celebrated on the Sunday before January 6th. The signature story for Epiphany is that of the Magi following the star to the Christ child in Bethlehem. 

Tomorrow, I will be telling you about one of the more popular Christmas gifts in the Hester household this year. I'll be suggesting for you to get one. I'll also be sharing how it can be a blessing for you in the new, wonderful year we're about to begin!

What better way to start the new year than having Holy Communion together. I want to remind everyone who will be experiencing the service online to have the Communion elements with you so you can participate. All you need is bread or crackers and juice or water.

Many of you had heard about my son, Wendell, testing positive for Covid right before Christmas. What most of you don't know is that my daughter Chelsea, came to Savannah on the 26th and that night, she tested positive. What you also need to know is that Chelsea is incredibly cautious when it comes to germs. Our family was shocked when we heard Chelsea had it because she was so careful about not being exposed. But this strand is so easily transmittable. Fortunately, both Wendell and Chelsea are vaccinated and their symptoms were very manageable. So let us continue to be careful at church. Please continue to wear a mask and to socially distance, especially as this new strand has started to move into our community.

As we start a new year, I want to thank everyone who has been serving on committees and in leadership positions at Asbury. I especially want to thank those who have served for several years and are now rotating off of their positions. I hope these people realize what a difference they have made. And I hope that they will continue to bless us with their vision, commitment, and efforts in other ways at the church. We need everyone for us to be the church God is calling us to be. We need YOU!

I can't wait for tomorrow when we celebrate Epiphany—a day that reminds us of God's light and love...and a day that reminds us to let our light shine, too!

With Love & Blessings,
Billy