Christmas Hymn Sing This Sunday, December 18

Advent is a counter-cultural time that invites us to slow down, waiting patiently, and expectantly while everything around us is speeding up and demanding more of us. Being well on our way to Christmas at this point, it’s not uncommon to feel as though the magnetic pull of the chaos has won. But here’s the good news that we spend Advent preparing ourselves to rediscover in Christmas, “The mercy of God does not depend on human virtue for its fulfillment.” (Fleming Rutledge, “Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ,” God on the Move, p. 366.) Meaning, God is not waiting on us “do” anything this season. The indwelling of God will come again this year, whether we are “ready,” whatever that means for your holiday expectations.

It is in that spirit that I offer an invitation for Sunday morning: come for worship and linger as long as you can. We’ll gather for our final worship of the season of Advent at 9:30 AM. Once this service has concluded, we’ll turn our voices and hearts towards Christmas. We’ll get a cup of coffee and a snack before regathering in the sanctuary for a Christmas hymn sing. Children and parents are especially encouraged to participate, as Noel will guide us through some “active” singing of favorite Christmas hymns in preparation for the Christmas pageant. All are welcome to bring a snack to share. Stay as long as you can, and let the music do its work—allow the joy at the heart of this season fill your cup.