Afternoon Everyone!
On Sunday we will light the third candle on the Advent wreath – the candle of joy! And Christmas is a time of joy, isn’t it? The birth of Jesus brought a joy to the world that humankind could never have imagined. And we have not been the same since!
I’ve been decorating the house today and have been finding great joy in getting reacquainted with all the Santas who have been packed up in our lonely old garage all year. I love Santa Claus!! Except for the wonderful corn husk Nativity that Jim bought me in Kentucky, my Santas are getting a place of honor this year. Things have been a little crazy lately – a little stressful. It’s easy to feel blue. Maybe we all need to seek some good old-fashioned joy this Christmas! Some Santa memory of childhood and what it means to BELIEVE! To REALLY BELIEVE!!
But even Santa is not enough to help some of us find joy. Especially those who have lost a loved one and are struggling with an empty chair and a gift that does not need to be purchased. If you find yourself in a place such as this, or if you know someone who does, I want to invite you to a meal at noon on this coming Tuesday at the church, followed by a service called “The Longest Night Service”. We will go in the Sanctuary and spend some time in meditation remembering and honoring those who are with us no longer. You will have a chance to light a candle for the one(s) you are missing. Then you may take your candle home to put in a special place of honor to have close to you during the season.
Can’t wait to see everyone on Sunday! Be sure to get a good night’s sleep- cause we are going to spend some time with old John the Baptist again! Who knows what he will be up to this time!! But, cantankerous as he is, you can’t get to Bethlehem without first going through John the Baptist! So………….until then!
Love you all!
Rev. Martha