each branch, straining to place strands of lights on a tree that only my family would ever see. We loved every moment of it. On Christmas Eve, we would gather in the living room to hear my father read the Christmas story wearing the pajamas my mother had made that year, staring at the presents under the tree in an attempt to interpret each curve and corner.
The great anticipation with which we approached Christmas morning made the day after Christmas all the more dismal. When anticipation is met with its object, one often feels a deep sense of sadness. Is there anything lonelier than a tree stripped of its lights? Over the past four weeks, our church family has been celebrating the Advent season with all of its attendant traditions. It has been a blessed season! Today, we find ourselves on the other side of Christmas morning likely experiencing our own unique sense of sadness. Faced with a return to “normal” (whatever that means), we are likely seeking to fill the void left by four weeks of meaningful reflection on the birth of Christ. Allow me to share some good news: it doesn’t have to end. Though I will never condone a Christmas tree that remains in the living room through February, I will most certainly encourage each of us to continue our reflection on the greatest gift of all: the Incarnation. In Jesus Christ, God has spoken a word of joy and hope that lasts beyond the Christmas season. In fact, it is an eternal Word that transforms every area of our lives. This Word comes to us anew each morning; it rises with the sun and sheds light upon a world often clothed in darkness. It breaks through the mundane chatter of pointless prose streamed from a screen. It takes hold of our hearts and will not let go. So, as you pack away decorations over the coming weeks (or months… bless you), remember that the anticipation need not end. The life of faith is a life of eager expectation. It keeps listening for the Word made flesh. In Christ, Pastor McLane
4 Comments
say it’s a lot of birds and weird people. As a young adult I found an article about this silly song that shed some light on its meaning. Suddenly the song that had provided an opportunity for me to be annoying as a child seemed so different. During the dark and middle ages in Europe the church often struggled with itself. The temptation of power and the lack of Bibles in the hands of common people would lead to times of persecution. During one of these times it was forbidden for a certain denomination to teach their catechism. Like the early Christians who used the symbol of the fish to identify each other, people found a clever way to teach their children the catechism with what seemed like a silly nonsensical song. The true love in this song is our Father in Heaven. Here is a list of gifts He has given us.
Simple verses that helped teach deep concepts of who God is and how we can live like Jesus. These days when I hear this song during the holiday season, I stop and think of my True Love who gives richly to all. As we gather with our families and share our various traditions, I hope you are able to find some peaceful moment to reflect on the love of a Father who is ready to give you all that you need. In His Name, Bonnie
element in the coming of Christ and the Christmas Story. They represent Hope, Peace, Joy, Love and lastly Christ. As we are now entering the second week of Advent I wanted to share some thoughts about Peace.
of innocent men, women, and children defies belief. I feel so powerless when I hear of these atrocities. So, in such dark times where can we find Peace? Where do we turn? We can share our thoughts with others who feel the same frustration with the state of our world. However constructive solutions seem unattainable, unrealistic and just reinforce our inability and powerlessness to make any type of significant change. This cause, this desire for Peace seems out of our reach. So, what should we do? What can we do? I think the only real answer is for Christians to turn to Jesus. He is the only one who can provide us with inner peace. Christ’s death on the cross allows us to have salvation from our sins and also the knowledge that He will return and heal our broken world. Believers also can let others know that the peace of Christ is available to everyone who believes and trusts in Him. So, as we begin our second week of Advent let us all consider the Peace of the Lord. When things in our physical world seem so difficult and insurmountable, turning to Jesus is really the only way that we can find true Peace on Earth.
In His Name, Ellen
Some of my favorite Christmas memories include cookie baking days, candlelight services, and lots of fun with family; all things I hope to share with my daughter as she grows. I’ll admit, with each holiday and the excitement of making new memories with our daughter, I can’t help but wish those empty seats at the table were still filled with the love and laughter of those we remember. How I wish they could be part of these new memories. But what hope I have for a joyous reunion someday.
Along with “big traditions”, this year I’ve also found myself thinking about daily rhythms and rituals. There is so much beauty in the ordinary, the quiet spaces (or not so quiet if you’ve got a toddler or more running around the house, but you get the idea). It’s especially easy this time of year to get swept up in the hustle and bustle. Let’s celebrate, in ways that feel and reflect Jesus is Lord, in our everyday rituals and rhythms. Let’s celebrate together, the extraordinary gift of God’s love, through Jesus, a Messiah, a baby sent to save us all. The beauty of the Christmas season is that God didn’t come to us with a big, fancy entrance into the world for all the perfect people. God came to us in the form of a vulnerable baby. God with us, Immanuel, is our celebration! Through all of the messiness and imperfections that come with being human, joy and sorrow, God is with us. Whatever the Christmas season holds for you and yours, may you experience comfort and joy, as we celebrate, each and everyday, the greatest gift to the world. Christmas blessings, Kierstie |
