As usual, the lights of Christmas give me joy and peace. I love the light displays, even the tacky ones, which are everywhere. Our Christmas tree especially delights my soul. Its twinkling lights begin my day and provide a calming presence before going to bed. I seem to focus on the rituals of the watch here. The delicious suspense of the waiting and watching for the promise of Christmas to unfold becomes real to me in the reflection of the light. It allows me to believe that the Light will indeed shine in the darkness and that the darkness will never overcome it.
Music, too, is so important to my preparation for Christmas. It allows my imagination to tell the story. I know the familiar words, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” The offerings of our children’s, chancel and handbell choirs have allowed the sacredness of these days to touch my heart. As part of our Advent journey, we also attended the Love Feast at Shandon UMC in Columbia and the Master Chorale concert in Myrtle Beach this past weekend. Both events were wonderful. For me, such music is part of the spiritual pilgrimage we make to Bethlehem. I am convinced that when we let the sights and sounds of Christmas make room for the one who comes to bring the justice, peace, hope and love for which we wait, God is revealed among us.
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I am sitting at my desk, making final preparations for tomorrow's services, and then we leave tomorrow night and head north to Delaware and Maryland to visit family. The Christmas tree is twinkling behing me, and the stereo is playing an eclectic assortment of music. Though I love the traditional music played in traditional ways, I confess that I really enjoy the renditions by the Mannheim Steamroller. What does that say about me?
Tomorrow will be my first Christmas Eve as a pastor, even if only as a lay supply pastor. I am so excited to be leading services celebrating the 4th Sunday of Advent and then a Christmas Eve service of Carols, Candles, and Communion. God is truly good!
I pray God's blessing on the congregation at Poplar UMC, and on First UMC also. I wrestled with God for so long, and then, with your encouragement, I said, "Yes, God. Use me."
You were such a large part of that decision. Thank you! Have a blessed Christmas.
George
I am sitting at my desk, making final preparations for tomorrow's services, and then we leave tomorrow night and head north to Delaware and Maryland to visit family. The Christmas tree is twinkling behing me, and the stereo is playing an eclectic assortment of music. Though I love the traditional music played in traditional ways, I confess that I really enjoy the renditions by the Mannheim Steamroller. What does that say about me?
Tomorrow will be my first Christmas Eve as a pastor, even if only as a lay supply pastor. I am so excited to be leading services celebrating the 4th Sunday of Advent and then a Christmas Eve service of Carols, Candles, and Communion. God is truly good!
I pray God's blessing on the congregation at Poplar UMC, and on First UMC also. I wrestled with God for so long, and then, with your encouragement, I said, "Yes, God. Use me."
You were such a large part of that decision. Thank you! Have a blessed Christmas.
George
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