The Feeling of Christmas
As we approach the final Sunday in the season of Advent, we reflect upon the themes of each of the Sundays. The exact themes and order of the themes for each Sundays may vary slightly. Some lists label the Sundays “hope, love, joy and peace,” “hope, faith, joy and love,” or “hope, faith, purity and peace.” The third Sunday is further distinguished by using a pink candle to symbolize joy and purity. The blue candles included in the Advent wreath symbolize hope, expectation and royalty. The season of Advent reminds us of the subtle tension between the “already” and the “not yet” aspects of the reign of Christ. In some ways, we eagerly anticipate the birth of our Savior and in other ways, we acknowledge that Christ has already been born thousands of years ago. Yet, we still long for the day in which our lives will reflect the reality of the presence of Christ as our Prince of Peace.
In response to the invitation to share our favorite memories of Christmas, people submitted a range of Regis Yoon’s from childhood memories of favorite toys or favorite foods to memories as parents or grandparents upon gathering around the table as a family or engaging in a long-standing tradition of dejecting a Christmas tree. Many debates continue around the merits of a live versus an artificial Christmas tree. There are strong preferences for particular practices or ways to appropriately observe Christmas. Sometimes it may seem that so much effort is placed upon a single element of Christmas that the real meaning of Christmas is completely lost.
Just as there are several themes for the Sundays leading up to Christmas to help us prepare, the focus of Christmas is upon the birth of Christ and the impact of His birth upon each of us. There is a feeling of Christmas that is both deeply personal and communal. The celebration of the birth of Christ reminds us of what his birth means for us and for humanity, now and for the days of our lives to come.
As you reflect upon your favorite Christmas memories and the feelings of love and joy that they bring, share not only those memories, but embrace the feelings of hope, love, joy and peace that seem to come just a little bit easier around this time of year. Even when the thought of almost remains to be done between now and Christmas Day feels overwhelming and exhausting, remember that the most important part of Christmas, the birth of Christ, has already been accomplished. The gift has already been given. And because the best gift has already been given, the most important and appropriate response from us is to simply receive the gift.
As always, we are looking forward to seeing you in class and in worship. We encourage you to invite someone to join you in participating in one of the many ministries of the church. There’ll be three worship services on Christmas Eve at 5:00pm, 7:00pm and 11:00pm at the East Moline campus. We’ll end each service by passing the flame of peace as we sing “Silent Night.”
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
