Dear Caldwell,
It won’t be long now. The last stage of our gradual decoration of the sanctuary has just been completed with the arrival and array of the poinsettas you ordered (thanks volunteers!). As we begin the fourth week in Adevent, the stage, so to speak, is set for our full celebration of the birth of Christ.
But first, we eat! Be sure to join us in the Fellowship Hall for the great Christmas feast at 9:30 a.m. this Sunday, continuing a tradition that the “new” Caldwell launched shortly after the resurrection (well, Caldwell’s resurrection at least). This is a joyous and festive occasion that we will share this year with our neighbors from Caldwell House. Thanks to the Fellowship Committee and the special team of cooks, led by Elizabeth Hyland and Lisa McLennan. (Remember, no Sunday school.)
Another Advent tradition for this Sunday is the chance to hear our children sing in worship, always a fresh reminder of God’s grace and our obligation to raise our children in the light of the Lord. We will consider the linked passages in Luke 1 of the Annunciation to Mary and Mary’s response in the Magnificat. Also, you can grab a copy of the December edition of the Caldwell Good News newsletter, full of great photos and stories, as always.
I want to take this chance to thank those who have stepped up to help Smitty in leading our choir in the period of transition we have now entered. Manley Roberts, Jean Prewitt, Dan Cadle and Carl Brinson have all pledged to help lead the choir and provide musical accompaniment. We’re blessed to have so many talented musicians and I look forward to seeing their skills and others’ come to the fore Sunday, next week and in the weeks to come. From what I heard in choir practice Wednesday night, music will be glorious on Sunday.
Earlier this week, I wrote to you about the Blue Christmas service this coming Tuesday night. I want to make two invitations related to that service:
- If you would like to take part in leading a portion of that service – leading liturgy, lighting candles, etc. – please let me know. We would welcome all.
- As part of this service, I invite any who are interested to consider bringing an object that they associate with their seasonal sadness or grief or sense of loss – a Christmas ornament or a treasured keepsake of another sort. We will “offer” that object to the Lord (though you will take it back home), perhaps share a few words about it (for those who are comfortable) and claim the Light of Christ as our source of hope.
But, again, first we eat. See you Sunday morning at 9:30 for breakfast. I close with these words, two of what are known as ‘O Antiphons,’ short Latin hymns that describe Christ’s many roles and titles:
O Flower of Jesse’s stem,
you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples;
rulers stand silent in your presence;
the nations bow down in worship before you.
Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.
Come, O Rod of Jesse’s stem,
From every foe deliver them
That trust your mighty power to save,
And give them victory o’er the grave.
In Christ, John