From the General Presbyter

One day during Advent in New Castle Presbytery, the Administrative Assistant and I were talking with our volunteer Treasurer about our holiday plans. This gentleman who, upon discovering that his whole family would descend at his house on Christmas Eve, said “I need to go to the store so I can pick up the decorations we need to RUN CHRISTMAS!”

That sums up what many of us end up doing in the church, “running Christmas.” Christmas Tree? Check! Advent candles including the Christ candle? Check! Christmas pageant, though lean this year, but we’ve got last year’s shepherds costumes. Check? Bulletins or power point? Check? No, wait! No, check! Bob is here to run Facebook live. Whew!

Jesus is the Reason for Season, the saying goes. It’s true, however. Not only the baby Jesus in our creche scenes, but the adult Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit – we celebrate! This is the same Jesus who will sit quietly with us during a “Blue Christmas.” This is the same Jesus who keeps encouraging us when the pews seem emptier. This is the same Jesus who shows up on Sunday morning even if there is ever changing pulpit supply and a dreadful pastor shortage. If it indeed takes running Christmas to even get a glimpse of this powerful, loving God with us, then run like the wind!

Because after all the decorations are boxed up, God is still with us! O Come Emmanuel!

Merry Christmas!

– Jackie