Christmas Joy

Today I began filming Christmas Eve Worship. I put on my red sweater, we decorated the sanctuary, and I (Josh actually) even carried the advent wreath to the rectory. What are we doing!?

​To enjoy the richness of our faith with community this year, we will all be doing things in advance. Thinking and planning ahead. 

• I am so grateful to families for filming scenes for the pageant at home.
• Our tradition of candlelit Silent Night will happen only by filming ourselves holding candles at home.
• We will offer our Merry Christmas to each other by planning ahead and sending in a quick video of ourselves greeting our friends at SJTL. 

These little videos are communal gold. Gifts we give to each other. Gifts that share our joy. 

The basic definition of joy does not reach what God brings to us when we sense joy. 

Joy in the bible is something God brings to those who turn to God in faith. Or as CS Lewis wrote, “The very nature of Joy makes nonsense of our common distinction between having and wanting.”

We do not have the Christmas we want, we do not have the freedom to gather in the way we prefer, and the pandemic has touched all our lives with grief in one way or another. 

Still God brings rejoicing to our souls. So put on that Christmas sweater today and send in your video to any staff member.

And

Sign up for the Longest Night Service this Friday evening at 7pm. This Zoom gathering will offer a shared experience of prayer, song and conversation reaching to God who faithfully turns our sorrow and isolation into joy and community. 

With you on the journey
Lisa

PS -- Please remember to return your year-end and Christmas offerings to the church. You can place it in the mailbox if the office is closed. The mailbox is checked daily.