I recently wandered into a department store and, even though Halloween was still days away, there were already Christmas decorations and trees on sale. That same week, I noticed one of the satellite radio stations I listen to in my car had already made the switch to Christmas music. It seems like it starts earlier and earlier every year. While many of us lament the early intrusion of Christmas before the Halloween candy is gone… I think somebody must be buying those Christmas snow globes or listening to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer in October.
If I’m being honest, I have listened to a Christmas tune or two and I did buy a snow globe with baby Jesus and Mary and Joseph on that sunny October day. Yes, I think we should wait until Advent or at least until the dishes from Thanksgiving have been cleared from the table before we engage with Christmas. But there’s something about Christmas we seem to want to hold on to, all year long.
Part of what makes Christmas special is memories. Every year, when we turn on the Christmas lights or hear Joy to the World, we remember. We remember Christmases past and the gathering of family and friends… some who are no longer with us. Christmas is about experiencing God’s love when we gather as the family of faith.
Every year, we prepare our space for the Christ Child at St. Luke’s. We do that as we turn on the lights of the wreath. We do it when we take time to read our Christmas devotionals. We do it when our children perform their Christmas musical. In doing these things and more, we are really preparing a space in our hearts to receive the birth of our King.
In a world that is sometimes dark and divisive, we seek signs that help us remember that Christ comes again to bring us joy. According to Matthew, the Wise Men were overjoyed when they saw the star. When we take time to prepare a place
in our hearts during Advent, we can experience joy as well. The joy of remembering times past with our families, the joy that makes us smile when we remember and give thanks for those no longer with us. The joy that is ours when we welcome Emmanuel and know that God is with us… always.
Rev. Dave Poteet, Pastor of Congregational Care
