Christmastime
December 11, 2009
I look up from my office desk and notice the rosy golden light of the sun kissing the tops of the frost covered trees. High thin clouds drift slowly across a pale blue sky. The air is still. It is -11 degrees. Cold, crisp, and beautiful. This is a December sunrise in North Pole.
And, it is a constant reminder that in order to see the ‘light of Christ’ we often need to look up and out in order to recognize the light within and around us. This is so true in Alaska where darkness literally covers us and often fills us in this time of the year; where cold drives us inward in posture as well as into our homes. Depression, hopelessness, loneliness, being cold all draw one inward and downward which means we pull ourselves away from the light. An action we can ill afford anytime but particularly this time of year. For it is in the light that we flourish. It is in the light that we find our way. It is in the light that we find warmth and courage to live into the next moment. And the next and the next and…
December 21 is the winter solstice. It is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It is on this night all who are in need, all who want to have a warm, gentle, inviting space in which to reconnect their/your spirit with the Holy Spirit are invited to come to church at 7p.m. Here we will gather in the sanctuary with an understanding of what it means to have a ‘blue Christmas’ and not let those ‘blues’ carry you away. Here, in a very gentle, respectful service we will acknowledge those challenges in one’s life (i.e. cancer, spouse deployed, body pain, isolation, depression, death of a loved one, war, marital/family troubles, loss of job, just can’t get into the ‘jolly’ of Merry Christmas) with an opportunity to name those troubles (out loud or not) while lighting a candle. While reflecting upon the presence of God. As each candle is lit we are visually reminded that we are not alone, that the light grows with and in Christ and will not be overcome by the darkness because God has given us Jesus Christ as a love gift, a gift for our salvation.
The service reminds us that the reality of Jesus’ life story is not all safe and rosy. Instead he is born in a barn, his family has to run for his life into exile, he wanders the countryside in adult life to the generosity of friends and believers while challenging the status quo only to be crucified on a cross, a humiliating and despised death. Christ, God, knows something about your pain! God isn’t afraid of anything that you want/need to bring to God. Instead we have a God who is very familiar with our pain having lived through it through Christ and is so willing to be with us in it helping us to keep journeying forward in the light with hope.
So this year, do not let the darkness win. Instead, come out to this Longest Night Service on December 21 at 7p.m. and let your soul be gently, lovingly reconnected with the Holy One in this lovely service of hope, healing and respect. Then stay a little longer for a beautiful reception of eats where you can refortify your body to reenter the world stronger, braver and confidently love-filled by the mercies of Christ.
A holy and blessed Advent of preparation to you that you may receive God’s gift of love on the 25th with much joy and anticipation!
Pastor Karen
|
