Dear Caldwell,
I’ve already been asked once today:”Couldn’t you order up some better weather than this for Christmas?” Well, all I can say is, I tried.
If anything, these dreary days can remind us that the Light is coming, the Light of the world that shined so bright no darkness would overcome it. In the words of the hymn O Come, O Come, Emanuel:
O Come, O Dayspring from on high
And cheer us by your drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadow put to flight.
If you are wondering about Christmas morning’s service this Sunday, let me remind you that it will be relaxed and casual and we are keeping the kids very much in mind in the flow of the service. The kids will be invited to stay for the service, in part to complete a special assignment that will help us see Christmas through their eyes. Worship will also include a hymn-sing so that we can get in a few extra carols and hymns. (OK, those of you who have been lobbying for more carols, I heard you!)
First, though, we have our Christmas Eve service Saturday at 5:30, which features traditional scripture “lessons” and favorite carols, too, as well as our wonderful choir. We will take up a special offering for Caldewell House.
Happy Birthday today to Elora Hefner!
We wish those who will be traveling for Christmas “Godspeed” in their journeys. I will be back in touch before Christmas.
In Christ,
John