Over the years I have come to love Christmas Eve more than I actually appreciate Christmas day. When I was a child it was all about Christmas morning. I couldn’t wait to wake up and open presents. I still like to open gifts but for me the greatest gift that makes the Advent/Christmas season so special is spending time with family on Christmas Eve at church.
Family has two meanings here. I love looking out and seeing my children in the congregation on Christmas Eve and knowing my wife is singing in the choir loft behind me. Christmas would not be the same without them here. But family also includes the people of St. Luke’s I see week in and week out. The people I help to care for, teach, and who bless me in return. I love seeing those people on the most special and magical night of the year – Christmas Eve. Christmas is about welcoming the Savior who comes to show us God’s love is for everyone. It is also about celebrating that love with those I care about – my biological family and my extended church family. Not many things help me to feel closer to God than celebrating these glad tidings on Christmas Eve.
Last year as people poured into the Sanctuary on Christmas Eve I turned and said to Dr. Long, “this never gets old.” I love singing the carols of Christmas and hearing the story again in the presence of our family. When we light our candles and sing Silent Night at the end of each service my heart overflows and I give thanks to God for the blessings of a baby and for the people He came to save.
This year we will have nine Christmas Eve services at all the St. Luke’s campuses. I hope if it isn’t already a part of your Advent/Christmas traditions you’ll consider coming to a service that evening. Nothing will draw you closer to God than spending time with family.
Rev. Dave Poteet, Pastor of Congregational Care
Christmas Eve Service
Sign up for Devotionals and Email Updates
Submit a Prayer Request
To notify us of a prayer request, please fill out our form, or call the church office at 232-1371.
