When we are called to sing your praise with hearts so filled with pain
that we would rather sit and weep or stand up to complain
remind us God, you understand the burdens that we bear;
you, too, have walked the shadowed way and known our deep despair.
Dear Caldwell,
In the words to the carol above, we are reminded that our Lord knows and, in Christ, has experienced every aspect of the human endeavor. Tonight, on the first full night of winter, we gather at 7 p.m. in the Shelby Room for worship in the reassurance that God knows our sorrows and despair and draws near to us in whatever we are experiencing.
It is poignant that we hold this service tonight, only days before we celebrate the birth of Christ. We are reminded that God offers hope even in our darkest and longest nights. On Thursday night, we will sing “O, Holy Night.” But tonight we gather for comfort and healing to sing “Silent Night,” as we watch and wait for the Lord, the source of our healing and new life.
It has been a difficult year personally for many in the Caldwell family – as many have lost loved ones, lost jobs, suffered sorrows and loneliness and all the other “shadows” that fall across our path. It’s also been a difficult year for the Caldwell family. Whatever pain you may be bearing, come and join us tonight for an intimate service in the round, as we remember God is not only in the light – but with us in the darkness as well.
We will serve refreshments afterward and be strength to each other as a family of faith in Christ.
Hope to see you at 7.
In Christ,
John