December 2024
Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; even now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? - Isaiah 43:18-19
There’s something about a baby. I don’t know about you, but sometimes when I notice a toddler, sitting in a cart in the supermarket and looking right at me, I can’t help but smile or make a funny face (not hard for me!). My kids are out of that phase of life, but when we have a family function and I get to see a new baby I always surprise myself with how quickly I switch back to the mindset I had when my own kids were teeny-tiny. For some reason, I feel an irresistible urge to make those little ones smile. What is it about us that makes joy at a baby so instinctual? It’s like a reflex. I don’t even notice that my attitude is changing until it already has.
This year we’ve been trying a new way of doing Advent. We started Advent after All Saints’ Sunday. We’ve been leaning into those stories of hope and expectation from the Old Testament and the prophets throughout November. On Sunday, December 8th, we’ll mark the 5th Sunday in Advent - a designation that just looks a little funny after years of having four Sundays in Advent.
When I go about my day, in this week after Thanksgiving, I can’t help but hum along with the holiday music. But, something I’ve been noticing this year more than others is that despite the Christmas fervor, the advertising and decorations and mellow tones of Bing Crosby’s voice, there’s no mention of what it is that we’re celebrating. Santa and snow, family and friends, chestnuts on an open fire - they’re all great things, but why are we doing this? What are we waiting for?
Our Music Director, Ben, and I have been intentionally adding more Christmas Carols into our Advent season, especially as we arrive in December. Our feeling is that this is a season that is just more meaningful when we hear and sing those reminders that this is a season of hope and joy and celebration because of the fulfillment of God’s promises. So, we sing Joy to the World and remember the announcement of the Angel Gabriel to a young and uncertain Mary. We remember the Little Town of Bethlehem where God Came Down that we may have love, light and peace. We point to the manger and the Silent, Holy Night when God’s promise was delivered in a little baby when the promise of new life and redemption took on the pink cheeks, chubby arms and little toes of the little baby Jesus.
In the coming weeks, alongside our special Advent services, I’m excited for our Christmas Bazaar on Sunday, December 8th after worship. I’m excited for Lessons and Carols on December 22nd and the congregation luncheon that will follow after worship. I’m excited to gather to tell the stories of hope and expectation of Advent and to sing out our joy with Christmas Carols, culminating in our Christmas Eve Worship at 4:30 on December 24th.
This is a season of hope, new beginnings, and our celebration of God’s greatest gift: the baby Jesus who comes to bring new life and renewal to me and to you.
Pastor Colin
