Jody's Journal

December 22, 2005

Dear Family and Friends of the Kirk,

They say “good things come to those who wait” which has an advent sound to me. For weeks now the Advent season has asked us to wait. In homes, as presents gather under a tree, we know we have to wait to open the gifts. In worship, some have been waiting to sing more Christmas carols rather than advent hymns (though we’ve let a few of the Christmas carols slip in from time to time!). Waiting can be difficult. But I’ve also discovered that waiting builds anticipation and excitement that culminates when the waiting is over. This weekend, the waiting is over! On Christmas Eve, we open the gift God has been telling us about for weeks as we’ve listened to prophets, John the Baptist, and many other voices. We’ll open the gift at three services: 5 p.m., 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.

On Christmas Day, we will have a rare opportunity to celebrate the gift of Christ on his exact birthday. The last time that happened was 1994! I hope after you open your presents at home, you will find joy in coming to celebrate Christmas in worship with your Christian family. Our service will be informal (dress casual) with lots of Christmas carols to sing and a lighter meditation on the Christmas story.

In whatever way you choose to celebrate Christmas, I hope you will have a very Merry Christmas - because you will have celebrated and experienced the joyful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into our lives. In closing, I want to share something the mystic Meister Eckhart said:

“What good is it that Christ was born 2000 years ago if he is not born now in your heart? Lord, we do far too much celebrating your actual coming in our hearts. I believe in God, but do I believe in God-in-me? I believe in God in heaven, but do I believe in God-on-earth? I believe in God out there, but do I believe in God-with-us? Lord, be born in my heart. Come alive in me this Christmas! Amen.”

Merry Christmas to you all!

Jody

A PRAYER BEFORE OPENING PRESENTS ON CHRISTMAS DAY

Lord and Giver of all good things, the magi traveled for miles to bring the Christ child the first Christmas presents. So may we, too, remember with thankful hearts the love that comes with each present we open. We also thank you for the love you have for each of us, and we thank you for the many gifts that you give us, especially the gift of life itself. Amen.