From the Pastors Desk - December 19, 2021
The other day in the midst of my early morning, before school, stupor, I started thinking about Christmas. The thought that came to mind was “Didn’t we just do this?” Quite seriously, it feels like we just took down the Christmas tree and all of a sudden we are putting it back up again. Christmas seems to come faster and faster each year. I am told that this is what happens- the older we get the faster it comes! I believe it!
I have very fond memories of my childhood Christmases. I remember having a long red felt piece of fabric that had 12 yarn strings attached to each side. Each of those strings held a chewy red, white and green Christmas tree peppermint candy. (In case I’ve created nostalgia, they are called Brach’s Christmas Nougats and you can still buy them.) I remember eating a piece of candy each day counting down the days so terribly excited. Oh and it was equally exciting when the radio started playing a few Christmas songs the day after Thanksgiving! Snow and cocoa and cookie baking and shopping- to a kid it was overwhelming heaven!
Now it seems as if the secular world has taken the magic out of Christmas. I honestly believe that retailers would start pushing Christmas during back to school sales if they thought it would work. Holiday music and holiday ads start running November 1st, and poor Thanksgiving gets lost in the hustle and bustle.
That’s why it’s nice to be a Christian. We know what the true magic of Christmas is! Yes, it is the perfect gift. A baby in a stable. A baby who would grow up to be the Savior of humankind. A Savior who would give us the perfect gift—eternal life! I love Christmas Eve! Christmas Eve is a night that feels electrically charged. If you have the opportunity and weather permitting, go outside and look up in the dark night sky. It seems as if the whole world is holding its breath…waiting-waiting for the celebration of salvation!
Since I know Ed plans to send the newsletter out before Thanksgiving, I wish each one of you a very blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas. May you enjoy the company of your friends and family members, and may you enjoy good food and fellowship. Most of all enjoy knowing that the perfect gift has already been given! Joy to the World, the Lord has come! He is ours and we are his, now and forever!
Stay safe and be at peace!
Faithfully,
Lei Fahrner
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