On Thursday morning, the Men’s Group weekly study began a Rick Warren series The Purpose of Christmas. We talked about meaning versus purpose and my heart was deeply touched as the men recalled their childhood Christmases. We talked about how God became Incarnate out of love for us, and the joys of a loving God. We talked about fear of God.
These conversations stayed with me all day.
I remembered watching the Child Development Center Christmas program the night before. If you have never sung or danced the Angel Hokey, you are missing out, but that’s another story. On Wednesday night, as the children dressed as animals, shepherds and angels processed into the sanctuary, 2 little shepherds held back. They looked terrified. Maybe it was the crowd of people. Maybe it was a weird situation. Maybe the wonder of Jesus’ birth was sinking into their sweet little hearts.
They hung back together and had to be encouraged to come on down. I watched and I wondered if their way of approaching the manger was not the most true. That sweet baby is God. There, in swaddling clothes and looking ever so vulnerable, is the creator of the Universe, the holder of our eternities, held in a human body, pure love beyond comprehension. And we do not treat such holiness lightly. With reverence and hope,and maybe a little trembling in our hearts, we approach with wonder in our footsteps.
Later I heard the song “The Most Wonderful Day of the Year” from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer about the Misfit toys. https://youtu.be/dRIQFYMMNYY The toys with unusual names like Charlie in the box and parts such as square wheels on a caboose. There’s a cowboy who rides an ostrich and a boat that cannot stay afloat. They all want to be wanted and loved. Isn’t that what we all want? To be loved and wanted. Seems to me the meaning of Christmas is tangled in here somewhere. We all want to be loved and wanted. We make choices that we think will make us more lovable or desirable and often lead us from God. God comes here and says, “I love you always.” Christmas is God’s love showing us the way home.
Isn’t it wonderful how one little song can spark ruminations that lead to the heart of Christmas?
As I write this, I am mindful of the music we will hear on Sunday. We will rejoice in the Christmas cantata and enjoy the many gifts and talents of the choir and orchestra. We will be amazed by the beauty of the words and music and some of us will be moved to tears. We will be touched by the sweetness of the children. We will see and hear the glory of Christmas.
Moreover, we will hear the new ORGAN in worship!
I have heard it just a little this week as Rodgers has installed it. There is much majesty and tenderness in its sound, and I can’t wait for it to be a part of our worship services. I am grateful to Sherri and Chuck Boschen, Mary Moller and Linda Manning who explored our options so carefully and prayerfully. I am grateful to Doris Shoebridge who loved this church enough to bequeath money that could be used in our time of need. I am grateful to God for the wonder of music.
Our hope continues to be that only half the money will have to be from Mrs. Shoebridge’s bequest. You and I are encouraged to contribute to the cost of the organ.
Finally, I have been sharing Helen Kitchell Evan’s poem “Bless My Home” with you all Advent. The third verse is
“Lord, bless my home this Christmas,
May it be a haven of peace
For those who may need comforting
As the pressures of life increase.”
We all know people who need extra love this Christmas. May there be room in our hearts and homes for tears and hugs of sorrow as well as the laughter and hugs of joy.
Below are a few pictures of Surfside UMC getting ready for Christmas.
Faithfully,
Pastor Scarlett
