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Today is the winter solstice. According to what I read in the paper this morning, the explanation for this shortest day of the year is that “the Earth’s axial tilt is farthest from the sun.” I learned that it's actually not a whole day, just a moment in time, and from that moment forward the days begin to grow longer. Once again, light overcomes darkness. You can count on it.
This Advent season as we have prepared for the incarnation of Jesus, we have talked about the candles of the Advent Wreath. Each one represents light overcoming darkness. Hope, love, joy, peace. These are the candles we carry as followers of Jesus to bring into a chaotic and overwhelming world. Yet, the power to carry them, rests in the One represented by the center candle we will light Christmas Eve–Jesus the Christ, the light of the world.
This Sunday at 7pm, we will have our traditional Christmas Eve service at The Downtown Church and all are welcome here. We will watch as the squeaky donkey carrying our Mary and Joseph begins the unrehearsed telling of the wonderful story of Jesus’ birth. Any child willing to put on an angel costume, carry a sheep, or wear a crown becomes a part of the nativity scene. We will give gifts to benefit others. We will listen to O Holy Night and share in the sacrament of Communion at the table Jesus has opened to everyone.
Then my favorite moment will happen. I will take the light from the Christ Candle to you. And one by one, as we pass this light and sing Silent Night the sanctuary becomes a testimony to this truth that in Jesus Christ, light overcomes darkness. Always. You can count on it. This is the Gospel story. This is the Good News. The Downtown Church family invites you to come and celebrate with us.
Merry Christmas,
Lori
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