I am writing this blog on Tuesday night at 8:35. It’s only five more days till Christmas. I am not ready. I mean that on two levels. On the surface level, I have not completed my shopping yet. That’s okay. It is my annual routine. Two days before Christmas, I will be scurrying about, chastising myself for not being better organized (and vowing to get things done earlier next year – a vow I am totally confident will not be honored).
On a deeper and more spiritual level, I am not ready for Christmas yet because I am not ready to let go of the spirit of December. I know we talk about maintaining Christmas all year long. We sing about it. We make movies about it. I preach about it. But, in reality, there is something about December that is different from any other month. There’s a beauty, a hopefulness, a joy that radiates and is not replicated in quite the same way at any other time of the year. December has raced by too quickly, and I’m not ready to let it go yet. But, that is itself a blessing, I think. It means that December’s spirit has not eluded me. I’ve been touched by it and empowered by it. And part of what has touched and empowered me is you.
Part of the joy of this December for me has been you... seeing you Sunday by Sunday, hearing from you through cards or e-mails, being uplifted by your smiles and encouraged by your hugs and cheered by your cards and other contacts. Seminary professors for eons have told students that “ministry” is about connecting God and people. For me, that’s a win/win proposition. I’m a very lucky conduit because I hold God’s hand with one of mine and your hands with the other, and in each I find comfort, joy, and love. So, let me conclude this note where I began, by saying “THANKS.” Thanks to you for being the church you are and for allowing me the privilege of having a part in your Faith Family. And, though I will miss the lights and trees and carols (and desserts!) come January, I am grateful that Sunday by Sunday I will still be able to look out from the pulpit and see you.
Page and our children join me in wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
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