Christmas Loading
Dear friends and members of St. Matt's,
There is a strong push - that I imagine some of you have experienced at various points - in the church to push Christmas off until the day it actually happens. To live in the moment - and in the season that we're in. To focus on Advent. There's a lot to be said for this line of thinking. We are all happier, healthier people when we can live in the moment, when we can be present to what's happening around us. But I think it's fair to say that sometimes the church goes a little too far down this particular path, often pushing off the joy of the season until it's nearly over. We even call some of these people the "Advent Police".
That is not the Advent we're having at St. Matt's. I said to you on the first Sunday of Advent that I want for this to be a season of hope. And specifically, I want for it to be a season of renewal for us. When we all take a deep breath, make room in our hearts for the coming of the Lord, and make room in our hearts for the joy of the season. Yes, there's some important Advent-y work to be done, preparation, and waiting, and good anticipation. And there is joy to be had in that work, too.
So, at St. Matt's, we have a few important things coming up in the next few weeks that will help us find and share that joy. And even if it's a little early, I hope you'll come and join us. There are no Advent Police here!
On Saturday, bring your littles to learn to sing Christmas Carols with Andrew. It will be fun and festive and end with a sugary, hot chocolate-y treat (read on in the e-news for more details). On Sunday, come to worship. Then stay for the Gospel series, which will be a little different and special this week! There might also be some elves beginning to green our church so that it's ready for the Pageant next week (on 12/18). Contribute still, if you can, to the holiday collections for Open Doors and Wilton Social Services.
And more than anything, make room. Make just a tiny bit of room in your day for a deep breath. For prayer. For something that brings you joy. Make room in your weekend to come to church, to wait with us for the coming of the Lord. Make room in your heart so that you can see the little miracles, the little blessings, the little magic moments that happen around us all the time. Make room now for the joy of Jesus. So you can have it. And keep it. And share it.
I hope to see you on Sunday. Until then, God loves you. And so do I.
Faithfully,
-- Marissa +
Tags: Welcome from the Rector