Wednesday, November 30, 2016

The Living Nativity



We used to send Christmas cards, but somewhere along the way, we stopped. It wasn’t a conscious choice. It was simply that, one year, we didn’t get around to it. And then there was a second year, a third, until we reached the point that we just don’t send out Christmas cards.
            I feel badly about that, partly because I like receiving Christmas cards. For some people, it’s the only time that we hear from them all year, which isn’t a criticism at all. Their Christmas card is our only real link to each other, and I’m grateful that they take the time to stay connected with us.
            On Sunday, December 4, beginning at 4:30 pm, Central will once again host the Living Nativity—a presentation of the traditional story of the first Christmas out on the Maple Street lawn, followed by crafts and snacks and music in the Auditorium.
And it seems to me that it’s like our congregation’s Christmas card to our community. All kinds of people show up. For some, it might be our only real connection with them all year—their only real connection with the good news of the Gospel, but that’s not a criticism. I am grateful for the time people take to stay connected.
“Peace on earth, good will to all,” the angels sang that first Christmas—a prayer, a promise, a Christmas card from God, entrusted to us to send out to everyone.

Pastor Don Steele

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