Everybody In

Next week this time unless you are marching to a different drummer, a last worship service for Advent will have been held, gifts will have been opened, a meal consumed, and, in some cases, s’mores made and a favorite movie watched. Now, what carol is unsung? In our hymnbook, from p. 79 – p. 150 choices are presented. Stately offerings like Once in David”s Royal City , a jubilant Joy to the World , and do you really think I will leave out the touch our heart favorite, Silent Night. Yes, because this night is approaching the time when all gather: individuals, couples, the elderly, the teens, and some hand holding younger ones . We started this journey with almost outcasts, the shepherds. We blended our voices and paid attention to what the angels sang for each of us to note. The simplicity of children’s voices evoked our memories of a unique nursery and the special child it sheltered. Now is the time to light a candle and hold it high as we declare what we are as a group in O Come, All Ye Faithful.

All that has been hoped for has come to pass. Emmanuel, God with us, is true. All journeys start at a beginning, maybe even with just a lone traveler. Like the call Hark earlier in the season, the call now is Come! with exuberance. The destination is Bethlehem, not very large, yet expands to make room for a crowd. The God who sends the child doesn’t shun a humble dwelling. He elevates the status of this new one with a choir of angels. On this happy morning, Oh, Come, let Us adore him, Oh, Come, let Us adore him, Oh, Come, let Us adore him, Christ the Lord!

Join the crowd of the faithful which has grown through the years. Be a part of the ones who add their voices to the varied songs and hold dear the treasured verse.

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:16