For those of you who may have missed this post from Pastor Chris we are posting it for your reading.
Last week, the Children of Hope preschool put on their annual Christmas pageant to bring a little of the holiday spirit to their parents and other family members.
I was fortunate enough to be able to watch the kids’ performances, and I was reminded of the innocence and wonder that is present in these first few Christmases, when the story of Jesus coming to earth in a lowly manger seems so incredible and new – not to mention the excitement that comes from receiving all sorts of presents from Santa and family members. Over the past couple of weeks, it seems almost all the children I’ve encountered have just a little extra energy anticipating the joy of the weeks ahead.
I’ve noticed, however, that it has taken a little longer to connect with the joy that comes with Christ’s coming to be among us again this year. Maybe it’s because I’ve heard the story so many times. Maybe it’s because I’m a pastor and I’m worrying about that one thing I know I’m forgetting to lock down prior to Christmas. Maybe it’s because I have my own young kids, and it’s getting harder to figure out what to get them when life gets so busy for us all. It seems so easy to get caught up in the checklists and pressures that can come with this season. And yet, the promise of the coming Messiah is still being spoken. We still light candles in anticipation of Jesus’ coming. And when Jesus comes to abide with us, he isn’t coming for just a moment. He’s coming to stay.
I think this is what often gets missed about the Christmas season as we grow older. We’re so caught up in deadlines that we forget to recognize that the savior who comes in a manger doesn’t magically disappear on Dec. 26. He’s coming to abide with us – forever. So maybe it’s OK if we get caught up in the hustle and bustle, in the busy schedules of this season just a little bit. Jesus will still be waiting for us when we’re ready to take a breath.
By the way, I know a great time to take a breath and be present during this holiday season. If you’re like me and you have young kids, or even if you just need a little extra joy that comes from small children, come and join us Christmas Eve at 4 p.m. We’re going to have a wonderful worship service, and I can’t wait to see what Deacon Connie is going to instigate among our kids this year. If you need a little more quiet, come and breathe deeply in God’s grace for our traditional candlelight worship at 7 p.m. Know that we encounter Christ in both the excitement and frenetic energy that comes with our youth (perhaps matching the frenetic energy of shepherds who are among the first to hear the good news), and also in the more quiet humble joy that comes from the quiet, silent night, breathing deeply in God’s grace as Mary and Joseph pondered what God was up to in their newborn son.
Regardless of how you plan to join us, know that Jesus already has plans to come and join you wherever you are in this busy season. May you find time to rest and dwell deeply in the love of the one who dwells in us, Christ our Lord. See you Christmas Eve.
Pastor Chris