These recent cold and clear nights have led me to stargaze as I get lost in the magnitude of creation. I watch my breath reveal itself in the frigid air, and I think about God revealing something of God’s self in Jesus. As people of faith, we have hope in the Christmas story, whereby a star signaled the birth of a savior. As I look at the stars, I also behold but a glimpse of creation, a glimpse of God’s revelation. Advent encourages us to watch and wait for the revelation of God and to remember that we are part of all that God has created.
As people of faith, we do this every year. This sacred anticipation is part of slowing down and remembering what it means to have hope, to belong, and to be faithful to God. What do you watch and wait for? What do you have hope in? Have you experienced your connection to all of creation?
As we move through this Holy time of year, please join us for any and all of our Advent and Christmas events:
Dec. 2 10 a.m. Advent 1 “Hope”
Dec. 9 10 a.m. Advent 2 “Peace”
Dec. 11 7 p.m. Handel’s Messiah performed by UMM’s Community Chorale, followed by light reception and fellowship
Dec. 21 6 p.m. Blue Christmas in the Maxwells’ barn. Christmas can have some complicated feelings and even great sadness. Hard stuff when the rest of the world seems so joyful. This service gives us a place to tend to those feelings. Worship service, bonfire, stargazing, warm cider, and hot vegetarian meal provided. Call for directions 255-6665.
Dec. 23 10 a.m. Advent 4 “Love” and Pop-Up Nativity
Dec. 24 7 p.m. Full Christmas Eve service, Chancel Choir, candlelight and caroling, ringing the Christmas bell
11 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve service, Holy Communion, and ringing of church bell at midnight
We wish each of you a very Merry Christmas, filled with pause and wonder, filled with the presence of the Holy, and most of all, filled with love.