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Friends in Christ,
My best friend, since the sixth grade, is Paul, he is a traditionalist. Every year at this time, he makes his friends and family sit down and watch the classic movie “It’s A Wonderful Life”. And, viewing of the movie requires that it absolutely, positively, must be the original black and white version, no blasphemous, colorized copy will ever enter his DVD! I’m sure you are familiar with the movie, Jimmy Stewart stars as George Bailey, a man who becomes increasingly depressed by a series of set-backs and begins to wonder aloud what difference it would have made if he’d never been born. As most of you will remember, his question is answered, and in true Hollywood fashion he is redeemed by the love of his community and finds the Christmas spirit.
As we enter into the holiday season, there is something about the desire to “Get in the Christmas Spirit” that sometimes seems quite elusive. To experience the joy of the miracle of Christ’s birth into humanity calls upon us to intentionally seek out the One born in Bethlehem. It seems obvious, but to find that “Spirit,” we need to look for Christ in our lives. Is it possible to find that Spirit, amidst all of the shallowness and gaudy commercialism that serves to define the holiday for so many people? It is possible to seek out the Emmanuel with us, if we devote the same dedication that we devote to “getting the list done” to paying attention to the meaning of that birth in Bethlehem.
I invite you this year to set aside the time to attend worship throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons. Hear again God’s promises and their fulfillment. Also, participate in, or attend the annual Christmas Pageant, join in fellowship at the various Christmas functions, bake cookies for the Mustard Seed meal and come hear the Christmas Cantata. And how about singing? In God’s Family is on the lips of many at the Pageant. And, Christmas carols don’t require a special voice, just a joyful heart. Sing them in the shower, hum them in the car, sing them with the family after supper and don’t forget the Family Fun and Hymn Sing on Saturday, December 12th.
My prayer for you is that you might truly enjoy this Christmas season by quieting yourself to the worldly noises and find the empowering Spirit of God that refreshes the soul.
God’s peace be with you,
Barry
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