Christmas Eve on Halloween

          Today is Halloween, but already, Christmas decorations are beginning to come out in the stores.  Last week, our church staff spent a good bit of time reviewing plans for our Christmas Eve services, trying to be ready for our first Advent and Christmas in our new building. 

          That time was the opportunity for reflection about the sacred nature of our Candlelight Services.  Most are aware that one of the key memories of Christmas Eve is that special time when we sing Silent Night, the lights are turned out, and the individual candles are lit.

          The service never fails to move us.  That is in part, because of the method through which the candles are lit.  Three or four people light their candles from the Christ candle.  They light the candles of others who then go out and light even more, and more.  Within two minutes, from that single light of Christ, five hundred candles are lit.  Quickly, the darkened room comes alive with light that is brighter and more lively the electrics. 

          It is a beautiful Christmas scene but is also a timeless example of the way that God does things.  In a word, God’s is constantly about the business of multiplication. From Christ, God reaches down, lights our light so that we can extend that light to others, and so on.  It is God’s designed way of reaching and changing the world to reflect his kingdom.

          We live and breathe in a culture that often forgets this.  Too often, our gaze is upon our own lights, neglecting the cold and dark wicks around us. But in God’s eyes, despite the beauty of our light, the darkness commands more holy attention and therefore, should command ours.

          This weekend, we are going to be continuing our “Crazy Christians” sermon series and will speak about the challenges and priority of sharing our faith verbally with people around us.  I hope you will join us.  In this day and age, when so many are struggling to speak to others about that which we hold so dear, all of us can use some encouragement to share this light of power and hope.  See you in worship!

Pastor Pete