Dear Congregation,
When I was in the eighth grade at Jackson Jr. High School, Sandusky, OH, our English teacher held a contest to encourage students to write a Christmas poem. Unfortunately, I can only remember the first couple of lines of the poem I submitted,
“Christmas is coming, Christmas is here.
Filling our hearts and souls with good cheer.”
I was surprised when I won the contest, although I’m not sure how many poems were contenders with mine! And I was thrilled to receive the prize, a large Christmas candle in the shape of a Victorian streetlamp.
As I think about the simple words of that poem I wrote so long ago, I’m grateful to be reminded that Christmas, the word that comes from the Old English Cristes Maesse first found in 1038, literally means “Christ’s Mass”. Christmas is centered in Christ. It is the annual reminder of his arrival on this earth that continues to fill our hearts and souls with good cheer. We certainly can use that good cheer as we look back on 2021 with all its challenges due to the continuing pandemic, and to happenings in our individual lives.
It is the gift of Jesus’ love-filled life and the good news that the baby grew up to be the light of the world conquering evil and death that we celebrate. I do hope you will be present during our 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight worship service, either in person in the Sanctuary or watching as it is live-streamed on Facebook. The service will conclude in the peace of the Garden Chapel where we’ll sing “Silent Night” together while holding our lighted candles that symbolize Christ’s light. May your hearts and souls indeed be filled with good cheer!
A Blessed Christmas to each of you!
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Candy
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