by Max Brennan, United Methodist Pastor of
St. Matthew and Eastern Hills United Methodist Churches
St. Matthew -- Sunday 11:00 A.M. -- Thursday 6:00 P.M.
off Meadowbrook - 1 short block east of Sandy, turn right to 2414 Hitson
Eastern Hills -- Sunday 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M.
off Meadowbrook - Jenson to Wilson - 1509 Wilson Road
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"Christmas comes but once a year," someone reminded recently.
"Good!" I heard someone reply. And she went on to say that she couldn't take it twice. She would end up so depressed she couldn't function. And I think we all know what that's about. It's a demanding time. We buy some presents because we have to - not because we want to. We go to some dinners because we need to, not because we want to be there. We put up the tree because it has to be up - and WHY? Because it's Christmas! We start every Christmas season saying it's not going to be like the last one - and then it turns out just like the last one - and WHY? Because it's Christmas! And then there are all those people we miss. They used to be around us at Christmas, and now they're gone. Christmas just makes us miss them even more.
Isn't this the way it is? And in my business, it seems, Christmas hardly allows me time to breath, let alone smell the roses - or the mistletoe - or whatever. It's barely December, and I have already had several disappointments concerning Christmas expectations. It could get a fellow down.
But I'm not. I'm not down, and I don't plan to be. I'm getting ready to do a concert this coming Sunday night. I don't have time to get ready for it. I can't find some of my music. And all the people I usually do my Christmas concert with have moved! But don't blame Christmas. This is life we're talking about. Life can be rough. Time is short. We lose people. But in the midst of all of life's disappointment and sorrow, I thank God for Christmas. Christmas is the answer, not the problem. Unto us a child is born - a Savior, no less - and that happens to be just exactly what I need. Every do-dad and trinket I hang on my tree I hang not with nostalgia for those who are gone, but with thanksgiving that God has saved what I could not. I may talk more about this at my concert this Sunday night. I'll be singing alone, of course. But you will find me joyful-and with the Christmas spirit upon me. St. Matthew. Sunday, 6:00 p.m. Hope you might be there. (And you may need to know this: Christmas Eve services - 6:00 at Eastern Hills - 7:30 at St. Matthew.) |
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This file last modified October 8, 2000
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