The Call of Christmas
Maybe it’s just me—a byproduct of my vocation or an echo from childhood—but in this week every year I become aware of subtle sensory shifts (don’t worry, my smell and taste are fine), or maybe it’s the light itself that changes (winter solstice?), or maybe it’s some kind of magnetic disturbance that messes with me—a solar flare or an alignment of stars and planets emitting mind-bending waves of cosmic energy.
Or maybe it’s just the calendar.
Whatever it is, every year during this penultimate week of December, I experience a strange but familiar quivering somewhere deep between heart and stomach (It’s not eggnog, and I never touch fruitcake). I would describe it as a mix of nervousness (my vocation?) and excitement (echo from childhood?). The result is a heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, and the most subtle of shifts in barometric pressure and temperature. The week feels different from any other.
But you’re ahead of me, I’m sure. You’ve made your diagnosis. These symptoms point toward one phenomenon, summed up in three words: “It’s almost Christmas.” Memories awaken, traditions beckon, and even the most sedentary or grumpy among us feel an inward call—or maybe it’s a call from family or friends—that moves us to rise and fall in with the shepherds and magi. It’s time to hit the road.
Last year was strange. We didn’t quite know where to go. The annual call of the Christmas road was frustrated by necessary limits on gathering and nagging worries that led us back to our sofas. This year we’re ready to venture out again, though cautiously, even reclaiming some beloved traditions.
This year, I invite you to heed the call of Christmas and make the journey to the source, to the manger and a sleeping child. Here at Glenn, on Thursday, December 23, all ages can enjoy a walk through Bethlehem right here on the Glenn campus. We shared this delightful experience last year and were joined by friends and neighbors from our community. On your walk, you’ll find Roman soldiers, Mary and Joseph and their baby, angels, shepherds, and well-adorned magi. There will also be friendly animals, including, yes, that’s right, wait for it … a camel (Can you tell I’m excited?).
On Christmas Eve, we’re offering two services of worship, at 5 and 11 p.m. The 5:00 service will include music from a brass group, dance, and beautiful Christmas carols and music. The 11:00pm service, in the quiet of late evening, offers Holy Communion and the joy of greeting Christmas together. Both services include candlelighting as we sing “Silent Night” together.
Needless to say, we will be cautious. Omicron has brought new worries, but we’ve learned a lot over the past two years. Masks are required for our worship services, and we encourage safe spacing between families and groups. If we all do our part to protect those around us, we can celebrate, again together, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Should you be unable to join us on Christmas Eve or uncomfortable worshiping in person, remember the 5:00pm service will be live-streamed and available afterwards on Facebook and YouTube.
I pray that we might all experience anew this year the joy and wonder of the Good News of great joy.
In Christ,
Mark