Dec. 24, 2016 (full size gallery)
We had 52 on Christmas Eve. Attendance may have been cut by the flu-like symptons going around and people being away. The weather was mild in the 50’s with scattered rain and periods of clearing during the day
The church may not have looked more elegant for Christmas Eve with the transformation of the altar piece this year, the addition of the Moravian star, and the addition of pine to the poinsettia as well as the beautiful berries. Candles accompanied the poinsettia.
Overall this was a simpler service, particular with music. No outside musicians and no choir anthems. Substitutions had to be made at the end since there some choir members were sick.
Alex provided the lectionary readings. They are here.
Catherine retold Luke’s Gospel for memory. This was a dramatic retelling of the story. Through the centuries, this passage has been read, reread and retold in many languages. It is no wonder – it is pure poetry.
The sermon connected the fear of the shepherds and Jesus with those who suffered from leprosy on Molokai in Hawaii with those who overcame it – Father Damien who brought relief to the Molokai and the shepherds who overcame their fear and Jesus who lived his life with fear of the Romans.
"For the next fifteen years, Damien not only provided spiritual care for the residents of the colony, but he also provided medical care, built houses, expanded the church, made sure that each person who died had a coffin that he built himself and a proper burial. He brought the plight of these people to the attention of the world, and obtained much needed funding for the colony."
"Once we have examined the fear, then the fear must be set aside so that we can act as servants of the Lord. Jesus must have felt fear as the temple authorities closed in on him. Father Damien must have felt fear as he witnessed the horrible deaths of the people around him. Although the disease was not highly contagious, he was constantly exposed to it.
"But both of these men set aside their fears and then did what they needed to do based on their belief in God’s reign of peace, mercy, compassion and love. They lived in this reign of love through their actions. They both knew that that living in this reign of God in the midst of the world’s darkness can bring suffering and even death. "
With the shepherds, "the angel asks them to move past their fear of the messenger and to hear the message that the angel is bringing—they have to set aside their fear so that they can hear that the angel is bringing good tidings of great joy for all people." They in turn became the first evangelists.
During the announcements, we celebrated Cookie and Johnny’s anniversary this past week.
The highlight of most Christmas Eve services is Silent Night. With the glow of the candles being lit and raised, it was a meaningful moment.
Thanks to all who came and helped with the service.