Christmas Eve...

I hope this finds you enjoying Christmas Eve. Don't get stressed. Don't freak out and miss the sacredness of God with us! When it is all said and done, whatever might be worrying you is far less significant than the Christ child gift of Jesus! It was Henri Nouwen who said, “Songs, good feelings, beautiful liturgies, nice presents, big dinners, and sweet words do not make Christmas. Christmas is saying YES to something beyond all emotions and feelings. Christmas is saying YES to a hope based on God's initiative, which has nothing to do with what I think or feel. Christmas is believing that the salvation of the world is God's work and not mine. (Henri Nouwen)

I like that – it helps keep Christmas in the right perspective. Our Christmas Eve service of Worship will help us keep that perspective, as well. It is going to be an amazing Worship service. Trust me – YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS CHRISTMAS EVE 2009! There will be great music, children singing, dance, a Homily regarding the gift of Jesus, celebration of Holy Communion and candlelight! Wow – just typing all of that gets me fired up.

It all happens today at 4:30 pm and 6:00 pm. Remember, children birth through 2 years of age will be in hopetown and everyone else can join us in the Worship Center. It is not too late to invite those friends and family members so why not stop surfing the Internet right now and go ahead and send that email or text, make that phone call, walk across the street or whatever – just invite someone – it just might make an eternal difference!

May the peace and grace of Christ overwhelm you this Christmas and always...