Don’t Miss the Holidays!
Don’t miss the holidays! How could I mean that? How could you miss them? They’re right in front of you the moment you walk in any store. I wouldn’t blame you if you’re feeling a little Scrooge-like about the Christmas aisles at Costco. But let me offer an alternative response, quite on the opposite side of the pendulum.
Maybe, just maybe, if you buy into some of the hype, some of the joy might follow.
Here’s what I mean. I bought in early to Christmas this year:
I turned on Christmas music after Halloween. “I’m just researching for Sunday music,” I told myself. It’s fine. It’s actually the responsible thing to do.
I reflected on Luke 1 while I was on vacation. “I’m just steering clear of what I would be studying if I were working,” I told myself. It’s actually the soul-preserving thing to do.
And fine. I did buy 3 rolls of Christmas wrapping paper in the $1 bin at Target. “It’ll be gone in a couple weeks!” I justified to myself.
But really. Really, I just want Christmas. Not the presents. Not the pressure of events. I want Jesus to come. I really, really do. Like, in my core. I want God on this planet. “Peace on earth, good will to men.” And because Christmas songs sing that message, I’m here for it early. Because Luke 1 is filled with people who’ve been waiting a looooooong time, I’m drawn to them. Because it’s a season of generosity and delight and that feels counter to the world’s greed and scrooge-ness, I’m putting the things (not expensive things) in the cart.
Do you really, really want Christmas?
If you’re excited, or if your soul needs some help building excitement, here’s some ways to jump in:
Start reading Luke 1. Read it one character at a time. What were they waiting for? What did they do while they waited? What did God promise them?
Come be a part of a gathering. Thanksgiving morning we’ll walk/run a 5k at Cedar Heights at 8:30. If you’re the indoor type, we’ll have cinnamon rolls and the parade on afterwards at 703 Kitsap.
Put Christmas on the calendar. Our Christmas Eve service will be at 4:00pm and then after we’ll host a Carols & Candles event for the gym community at RAWW Athletics at 5:30.
What are you hoping for, especially hoping for as it relates to the promise that God is coming back again to earth to renew all things. What do you want to do while you’re waiting? What is God promising you?
With great anticipation,
Pastor Megan
