As I walk down the main hallway to my office, I can just feel it. Something is about to happen. As the poet Scott Cairns writes, “the air is scented with the prayer of pines.” Already so much has transpired. In under three weeks, the church staff has hosted: 3 major packed-house concerts, preschool programs, family caroling in senior adult care centers, dozens of small-group parties, the festival with its warmth packs and cookie decorating, and a baby camel. “The air is scented with the prayer of pines.” In addition to decorating the church with a host of members pitching in, the staff is also scurrying to make the campus shine – even replacing the light fixtures on the very top of the spire of our bell tower. Something is about to happen.
The anticipation of Christmas is palpable, even for adults. We prepare our church for that moment that no words can describe. When the lights dim and the organ swells and the brass touches a place deep inside of us, and we sing the words we know by heart: Silent Night, Holy Night. At 3, 5, 8, and 10pm we will gather to tell the story that still inspires. God revealed in a baby’s human flesh.
I know that some of you will be able to travel to be with family or friends in other cities. I wish you all the joy of togetherness. And for those of you here at home, I look forward to seeing your shimmering face in the candlelight. When you sing, time stands still, my heart quivers, and by some miracle, the love born 2000 years ago in a stable seems as close as your face.
Grace and Peace,
Carla
