Welp, this is it. Practically time to pack away the Christmas tree we finally decorated. Anyone else having frenzied thoughts and feelings that by this weekend December is halfway over and Christmas is practically upon us? I get stuck in my head wondering if we've made enough formational, core "sticky memories" for our kids (while not oversheduling or overstimulating) and balancing all the school events and scouts and sports and music and family and shopping and baking and oh, gosh, what can we make for dinner since I haven't gone to the grocery? Let's read this Nativity book! No? You'd rather read Pete the Cat's 12 Groovy Days of Christmas. Of course you would. Will they understand the "reason for the season" with celebrating Jesus as the Savior of the world or are they are just becoming materialistic, spoiled kids of their generation? No pressure. It just feels my entire calling as a parent and as a children's minister is wrapped up this year in an even shorter Advent season with Advent 4 and Christmas Eve colliding in hopefully a grand celebration on Sunday, December 24th.
And so I pause. I take a deep breath and smell the evergreens of our Advent wreath. And their sweet little voices ring in my ear from the ONE tiny tradition that we've managed to make stick...singing the Advent song to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star each Sunday night before bedtime as we light the candles:
”Advent is the time to wait;
not quite time to celebrate.
Light the candles one by one,
Til this Advent time is done.
Christmas day will soon be here,
Time for joy and time for cheer.”
Waiting. Building up the anticipation. It's all part of the wonder and beauty of this season. I suppose Mary and Joseph felt pretty frenzied packing their bags and traveling to Bethelehem with the unknowns of childbirth awaiting. And I don't think it was just for theatrical emphasis that both angels and animals play a prominent role in the story of God coming to Earth to be with us. (Remember? Emmanuel is translated as 'God with us.') Sometimes we need some supernatural support. Do you believe in angels?! Sometimes we need some cuddly companions to help calm our frenzied thoughts. (Are you planning to join us at the Nativity Petting Zoo this Sunday?) We really can't mess up Christmas - because the whole story is about our Messiah saving us from ourselves.
And so we wait. We cling to Hope. We pray for Peace. And we look ahead to Joy and Love that await.
Grace and Peace,
Susan
Check out the Upcoming Events:
Christmas Caroling for all ages & Children’s Nativity Pageant
Next Sunday, December 17, 9:45am & 10:15am, Ward Fellowship Hall
All ages are invited to join us for a sing-along of favorite carols hosted by The New Class and led by beloved pianist Jim Gibson and Covenant Choir Director, Katie Woolf. Then, at 10:15am, the Cherub Choir will present the Nativity pageant, directed by Mary Lindsey Lewis. Perhaps the most delightful 15 minutes of the season, with much laughter and levity, Glenn’s Pre-K and Kindergarteners bring the story of the first Christmas to life!
Nativity Petting Zoo
Next Sunday, December 17, 12noon-2pm | Tiff’s Treats Truck
After 11am worship, all ages are invited to visit our favorite stable animals who bring the magic of the Christmas story to life! We heard that Obadiah the camel (or one of his friends?!) is following the Christ star and will make a stop by Glenn again this year! Tiff’s Treats truck will be offering cookies, milk, & hot cocoa for purchase. The Justice Team will be offering complimentary coffee for donations towards local & global missions and ministries through the Alternative Giving Catalog.
Christmas Eve Worship
Sunday, December 24 | 11am, 4pm, 11pm | Sanctuary
11am Traditional Worship with carols, readings, and the Christmas message. Childcare available.
4pm The Christmas Story Pageant and candlelight service. A beloved Glenn tradition! Join us for a beautiful and unique telling of the Christmas story come to life by children and adults, with song, dance, and wonderful costumes that recreate the most holy of nights. Childcare available.
11pm Traditional Worship. We’ll see in Christmas morning with carols, the Christmas story, Holy Communion and candlelighting.