Tuesday Tidings Nov 29, 2022

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for

you to wake from sleep.” -Romans 13:11-14

We stick around after church, there is muted conversation about what

awaits us. Plans are hatched, important materials distributed.

Within fifteen to twenty minutes, the smell of pizza migrates from the

fellowship hall to our nostrils, it’s time for lunch. We do not linger over

our repast, there is an urgency and a sense of anticipation. We will

need the fortification, because this is the day.

This is the day we load our young people into cars and minivans and

drive around the neighborhood. Our pilgrimage has a purpose, we are

to sing Christmas carols to our siblings in Christ.

It’s usually cold… not bitterly so, but just enough to give us pause.

We search for gloves and mittens, some will wear scarves. There are

still others with Santa hats. Every bit of it; the jostling, the repeated

requests for, “Good King Wenceslas,” the festive clothing, and the

expansive smiles plastered on our faces all contribute to the

atmosphere. How can something this simple be so much fun? It’s not a rhetorical

question. Here’s why, we are on the move. We are taking our message of good

cheer, the news of Christ’s incarnation out from the church into the

community.

Second, we know the story. The words of these carols are lodged

somewhere deep within the recesses of our spirits. Is this what was

meant when Scripture suggested that the new covenant would be

“written on our hearts?” Yep, kind of, I think so.

Thirdly, those we visit are so delighted by our presence they shout

their requests and listen intently to what it is we have to share.

There’s a shared joy, a mutuality, a holy synergy that is felt by

everyone.

Lastly, but certainly not least, for an hour or so…. as we remember the

lines to our favorite carols, we forget everything else. It is a kind of

holy forgetting, a freedom often found by those consumed by a

singular purpose. And our singular purpose? Yes, it’s the one rooted in the way Jesus

summed up all the law and the prophets… it’s love. Even as we

adjust our goofy Santa hats, we’re basking in that love. It’s from God,

is given back to God, and there’s enough to spare to share with our

neighbors.

We’re just caroling, but by the grace of God, we’re glimpsing

everything God has ever hoped for us. Pass the song sheets, I’m

ready to go. I can hardly wait until December 11th!

Question for reflection: Besides “Good King Wenceslas,” what is your

favorite Christmas Carol?

This week at Bethlehem:

On Tuesday evening our Senior High Youth will be gathering at 7:00

for “Escape Room Night,” at Breakout Games on McKnight Road

(please be there a little early, thanks).

On Friday, Greening of the Church begins at 6:00, please join us!

Our spoken word service of Holy Communion will begin at 6:00,

on Saturday evening.

On Sunday morning we will offer worship at 8:00 and 10:30 with

Sunday School at 9:15.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

Gracious Lord, as the candles in the Advent wreath illuminate our

sanctuary, may the light of Christ brighten our spirits. We are awaiting

the glorious moment when we will celebrate your incarnation in

earnest, bless our moments of preparation with peace and joy. We

pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.