What Love Looks Like

Dear friends,

Christmas will be different this year, but it can still be meaningful.  There were no holiday traditions on that first Christmas when Emanuel was born in a stable and cradled in a manger …  no figgy pudding, no tinsel, no presents underneath a tree.  And yet, it was the most meaningful moment in all of history.  Love came into the world as a tiny child who would save us all.  I’m still in awe when I pause to think about what God did for us.

As we’ve been doing since March with everything else in our lives, this year we must be creative.  We must find unique ways to celebrate the birth of Christ and the Love that comes into the world with him.  Although we can’t celebrate in our traditional ways, this moment is no less meaningful.  In this moment, Love looks like supporting our healthcare workers by not gathering in large crowds … Love looks like a family pre-recording the Advent Wreath candle-lighting liturgy in an empty sanctuary … Love looks like a COVID-safe drive-thru Christmas parade yesterday where our coop members received gifts of turkeys and groceries … Love looks like folks safely delivering turkeys and groceries to Avondale School families … Love looks like Zoom calls with family and friends.

Although I will miss being in the sanctuary with everyone on Christmas Eve (trust me when I say it brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it), I know that we are still connected in our hearts by Love.  And I know that we do this because we care so deeply about the health and safety of everyone.  So come all ye faithful and join me on Facebook or YouTube on Christmas Eve at 4:00pm as we virtually celebrate the birth of Christ.  Gather your candles for worship, and light them with me as we sing Silent Night.  Above all, remember that it’s Love that came down at Christmas.  It’s that Love that will enter our hearts and light our way through the darkness.

Lovingly,

Rev. Malinda Weaver

P.S. Come rock around the Christmas Wreath … a faithful group of church members found a creative way to decorate our street corner for Christmas.  They installed an 8-foot high wreath.  It’s a beautiful sight!!!  Bring your family by to see it and have your picture made on the church steps.

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