Dear Church Family,
The day after Thanksgiving marks the first day of the Christmas Season for many of us. I remember getting up early on Black Friday to stand in line to be one of the first at a big box store opening at 6 AM. It was a maddening scene, no one was hurt but people raced from the front door to the spot where the magical merchandise was displayed. All the available pieces were claimed in seconds and “sorry, no rainchecks.”
Those days of shopping are over – I focus now on handcrafted one-of-a-kind items as gifts or something that uniquely expresses or needed by the person I am presenting to. My sister is great gift giver and great gift receiver. She finds unique and fun items that reflect the person’s humor, personality, and interests. And because her taste is very eclectic, she appreciates (or appears to appreciate) all the gifts given to her. She takes great joy in giving and receiving.
Each year she presents me with the book of “Lifesavers” candy as it was the most prized gift we would give or get as children. Funny how giving and receiving gifts are far less important as I age. Christmas is more about gathering and connecting with others. This year will be far less gathering, yet a deeper focus on connecting.
Our connections are the greatest gift we can give or receive. This year lets encourage each other to reach out to others and wish them well. Let them know you care and send them love. We may not be able to gather like we have in the past, but we can connect – lets make the best of the technology we know how to use. Let the experiences of Advent; Hope, Peace, Love and Joy be our gift to the world this year. Let us be open to give without condition and to receive without condition. This year let our presence be the gift. And while we are at it, a roll of Lifesaver’s can go a long way in healing our world – one candy at a time!
Many blessings,
Pastor Robert