Our Pageant is next week (the 18th). Jane has corralled about 20 children to participate! We will be having a potluck to follow. Christmas Eve Service is at 5 pm so as to allow our choir to be there in all its glory. The Deacons all agreed that we would not have Sunday Service on Christmas morning. 

Our Christmas Tree is up in the lounge, ready for its annual load of socks,  gloves, and hats, which will be taken to the warming station

That’s the nuts and bolts of our Christmas at WSCC, here’s the heart:

During this time of  festivity and joy, it is also important to not forget that Jesus came for all of us. 

For some of us, this will be the first Christmas without someone we love. Jesus came to give us comfort. His presence is a reminder that we are never truly without one we have loved. 

There is a rush to this season that can be stressful. Jesus came to offer us peace within ourselves, so slow down, take a minute, and rest.

Commercialism can be overwhelming; children, especially, are bombarded by ads telling them what they have to have. Help them to give: let them choose a charity to donate to, so they can begin to understand the joy of giving. Jesus came for the poor. 

I imagine the unspeakable joy Mary felt when she held her baby, and then I do my best to remember how small I felt when I saw my children for the first time, or any new baby, for that matter. There is something about a newborn that makes us marvel, that somehow, new life is created, children are a repository for love: Love them  deeply and joyfully, even when they get overtired and cranky, such is life. Jesus loved children. 

Finally, Jesus did a lot of “feeding’” he took pleasure in celebration. ENJOY Christmas Day. Hug each other, laugh, cry, be present to those you love, appreciate them, feed them good food and memories. This is precious time, make the best of it. 
Love, Denise