From the Pastor’s Desk… December 2024
What is Christmas?
Christmas is lights on the houses, blow-up
characters on the front lawn, decorated
Christmas trees in our living rooms, and
maybe some stockings hung with care. There
will be those trips to the stores, clicks on your
computer, gift cards in our fellowship hall, and
the wrapping will commence. The meals will
be planned, the trips will be chosen, and the
anticipation of seeing family and friends will
gain momentum. This is Christmas… and we
are blessed.
Christmas is Christmas Eve worship, the candles of Silent Night, and the singing of Hark,
the Herald Angels Sing. A time to give pause, to remember a child born in Bethlehem,
lying in a manger, surrounded by adoring eyes, and the sound of a joyful chorus “Gloria,
in Excelsis Deo; Gloria, in Excelsis Deo.” We will come together as family to participate
in a meal that is the body and blood of Christ Jesus, and hear the words – given for you,
shed for you. This is Christmas… and we are blessed..
Christmas is the candles of Christmas, lit one by one as we prepare
for one night; they are beacons of light that guide our way. These
are the words of the season; the meaning for you deeply personal
and unique. They are active, not passive; relevant, not
descriptors. I hope you take just a few minutes to read and reflect
on the words spoken by God. This is Christmas… and we are
blessed.
HOPE: Romans 5
PEACE: Ecclesiastes 3
JOY: Psalm 126
FAITH: Hebrews 11
LOVE: 1 Corinthians 13
And finally, Christmas is music. You all know I listen to music. Just the other day, this
song popped into my You Tube feed. The words spoke to me so I thought I would share.
Take a listen if you want – and let me know what you think. This is Christmas… and we
are blessed
The Hope of Christmas
Music and lyrics by Matthew West
Take me back to eight years old
The little church on a dead-end road
With a candle flicker in one hand and Dad’s hand in the other
Take me back to Silent Night
My heart was full and the world was right
‘Cause right now the world looks nothing like
those innocent Decembers
These days peace on earth is hard to find
And I need you to remind me one more time
You’re still the hope of Christmas
You’re still the light when the world looks dark
You’re still the hope of Christmas
And you’rе still the hope of my heart
Watch the snowflakes falling down
Like a blanket on this town
For a moment we can hardly see the pain this year
has brought us.
May the sick find healing’s touch
May hatred’s fight be won with love
And may every heart make room for You, the
One who came to save us.
Cause You’re still the hope of Christmas
You’re still the light when the world looks dark
You’re still the hope of Christmas
And You’re still the hope of my heart
You’re the hope of Christmas
I bowed my head to pray tonight
Felt my little girl by my side
She slipped her tiny hand in mine
And we both talked to You
And it took me back to eight years old
My daddy’s hand and a story told
About Heaven’s love in a manger low
And a promise that’s still true
You’re still the hope of Christmas
You’re still the light when the world looks dark
You’re still the hope of Christmas
And You’re still the hope of my heart
You’re still the hope of Christmas
You’re still the light when the world looks dark
You’re still the hope of Christmas
You’re still the hope of my heart
May the hope of Christmas find you filled with the love of family and friends, and may
God continue to bless you with peace, joy, faith and love.
God’s Blessings and Peace
Pastor Neil
Pastor Neil’s Office Hours
Tuesday-Wednesday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
