The Gift 2011 The gift 2010

2nd Annual - The Gift 2011

2011-11-16T02:26:00.019-05:00

Welcome to The Gift 2011.
Read it for free online below...
or become part of the gift and purchase a $2.99 ebook version
(net proceeds donated to FISH)

Welcome to our 2nd Annual "The Gift".

Please enjoy this compilation of articles written by local faith leaders in the Williamsburg, Virginia area.

We simply asked pastors, priests, rabbis, reverends and other faith leaders if they would like to write an article, submit a lecture, or story on any topic relating to the Holiday Season.

We call this page "The Gift" because these articles were given to us to share with you, the community. Other than spell check these articles have not had their content edited by us, we have simply posted them preserving each writer's message as they meant it to be read.

May it bring you peace and joy this Holiday Season.

The Gift 2011 Articles

"Not Alone, After All" by Rev. Allie Rosner - Williamsburg United Methodist

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"We Play How We Practice" - Christoph Fehrenbach, Associate Pastor at Christian Life Center

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"Early is Okay"- by Jalyn Ickes, Edited by Pastor Ickes - Waller Mill Bible Church click here

"Light and Dedication at Hanukkah" - by Rabbi David Katz - Temple Beth El of Williamsburg
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"Light" - by Pastor Bob Melone, Stone House Presbyterian Church

click here

"A Simple Find that Can Always Find You" - by Fred Liggin - Lead Minister, Williamsburg Christian Church

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"Happy Birthday Jesus" - by Rev. Dr. Reginald F. Davis - First Baptist Church

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"A Drastically Different Christmas" - by Pastor Eric Scholten - Living Proof Baptist

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"Each Year Tells the Familiar Story" - by Rev. Msgr. Michael D. McCarron - St. Bede
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"Looking for the Perfect Gift? " - by Rev. Bill Harmon - Pastor, King of Glory Lutheran Church

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"Christmas" - by Sister Mary Jeanne Oesterle, President, Walsingham Academy

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"For Those Who Don't Believe: A Christmas Story for All" - by Rev. Jennifer Ryu - Williamsburg Unitarian Universalist

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"How Do You Measure Up? " - by Pastor Jon Ritner - Williamsburg Community Chapel

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"Avoiding the Post-Christmas Let-Down" - by Mark Hollingsworth, Pastor, Liberty Baptist Church, Lanexa
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"Giving & Receiving" - by Rev. Camper Mundy, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

click here

"Blue Christmas" - Rev. Max Blalock, Campus Minister at The Wesley Foundation, the United Methodist Campus Ministry at The College of William and Mary
click here

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We would like to thank all of those who donated their expertise and time and wrote for us. We would also like to thank Kerry B Smith (www.KBSphoto.com) who like the faith leaders donated her time and skill to create many of the beautiful pictures you see included.

A downloadable ebook of both "The Gift 2010" and "The Gift 2011" is now available (click here). Net proceeds will go to FISH, a Williamsburg, Virginia local charity that depends entirely upon a caring community for food, clothing and cash donations. If you don't have an e-reader, but would still like to buy the ebook, just download the free Kindle reading app by clicking here.

A Simple Find that Can Always Find You

2011-11-16T01:55:00.001-05:00

by Fred Liggin, Lead Minister Williamsburg Christian Church

It’s Christmas time again! There is so much to plan for that I am both excited and exhausted just thinking about it. For some of us this is a beautiful season filled with joy despite the stress. But for some of us it is a reminder of things that aren’t so beautiful. Not everyone’s life is hunky dory. For some Christmas becomes a stark reminder of what is difficult about living—memories of lost loved ones, loneliness, lack of money. I bet you know of some people who can identify with these feelings. Perhaps you are one of them. Or maybe you’ve just “been there.” I know I have. But then it hits me.

It's a really simple thought, actually. Yet it is incredibly difficult to remember. It is especially difficult when you find yourself in the midst of a season that invites busyness, stress, sadness, or bitterness. But if you and I see it, and I mean really see it, it can change us. Here is what I mean.

It doesn't take us long to notice during the holiday season that many people are searching for Love--to love and be loved. Others are searching for Grace--a second chance, a clean slate, freedom from their past or even forgiveness. Then there are those searching for Truth--something real, lasting, and substantial, and able to set a different course for a different kind of life. So this thought I offer you is really simple, yet so difficult to remember and even harder for many of us to see, even during Christmas. Here it is.

Love, Grace and Truth can always be found in a dirty manger in Bethlehem, a blood-stained cross on a hill called Golgotha, and an empty tomb near a garden. And if you find any one of these places, love, grace, and truth will certainly find you.

Why? Because the baby who once slept in that manger grew up to passionately live, perfectly love, and profoundly teach all of humanity what it meant to truly be human. Then He was innocently put to death on that cross so that the rest of us who were guilty of imperfect love and willful disobedience according to God's prescribed way of life, could be counted as innocent and be restored to wholeness. And as if that wasn't enough (because it wasn't), He arose from that tomb where he was buried to prove that the manger He slept in, the life He lived, the love He offered, the way of life He taught, and the death He died, was real, lasting and substantial. And this real story of a real life, death and resurrection has set the course for a different kind of life--one that begins now and never ends. This is a story of Love, Grace, and Truth. You could say that it is ultimately a story of Rescue.

So if you find this manger, keep going and walk up that hill to see the blood-stained cross. From there follow the road that leads to the garden and peek inside that nearby empty tomb. Perhaps then you will find what you are looking for. Except you might discover that it wasn't merely love, grace and truth that you were searching for after all.

It was Jesus. Because He is, as Scripture says, the image of the invisible God who was born because of love and was full of grace and truth. He is God made human sent to rescue us from our wondering searches. He is Love, Grace and Truth. He is the Savior from heaven and King of creation. This is His story. And it is a real life story in history that has changed countless life stories. If you see it, believe it, and are willing to stake your life on it, it can change yours. Forever.

See, I told you it was a simple thought. I hope you remember it. And most of all, I hope you see it. I hope you find it. If you do you will step out of the darkness, live well through the busyness, find hope in the midst of sadness, and let go of the bitterness. You will, whether you see it this way or not, be rescued. Love, Grace, and Truth will have finally found you because Jesus has the power to change you forever. And if you let Him, He will.

Oh, and one additional thought. If love, grace and truth really finds you it should begin to change how you treat others you meet along the way, and not just during the Christmas season. Besides, you just might have the opportunity to lead them to what they are really searching for—King Jesus, who is not only the meaning behind Christmas but the meaning behind life, love, grace and truth.

We would be honored to have you join us any Sunday as we work out the treasures of this simple thought each week. For us this is more than an idea. It is a way of life that spills into the lives of those we meet and causes us to join God in His pursuit of restoring lives. So please join us anytime: Sundays 9am or 10:45am. Life-Connections Groups (small groups) meet throughout the week. Our Christmas Eve service will begin at 7pm.

Williamsburg Christian Church is a non-denominational church family and faith community “joined in God’s pursuit of restoring lives.” Follow Willliamsburg Christian Church on Twitter (@WmbgChristian), Facebook or at www.williamsburgchristianchurch.org. Messages can be found on the website or found on iTunes.

Fred Liggin was given the gracious honor to serve as Lead Minister of Williamsburg Christian Church in October 2010. He is the husband of Alison Glenn, daddy to his son Ian and deeply thankful for his church family. He received his B.A. in Ministry/Bible at Amridge University and is completing his M.A. in Christian Ministry from Abilene Christian University. He enjoys hanging out with his family, reading, live music and a good cup(s) of coffee. Fred constantly finds himself in need of God's mercy and grace every day, and is prematurely balding. He has a deep love for God, His Gospel and His Kingdom way of life. Fred is also passionate about seeing God's people learn what it means to participate in God's mission as everyday people in everyday places who offer tangible Kingdom-expressions of love, mercy and hope in everyday ways.

Follow Fred on Twitter (@Liggin), Facebook or his Blog (www.fredsforehead.wordpress.com)

Light

2011-11-16T01:52:00.001-05:00

by Pastor Bob Melone, Stone House Presbyterian Church

Growing up in a suburb of Buffalo, New York, where we always had over 100 inches of snow each year, the Christmas carol "In the Bleak Midwinter" always had special meaning. To describe our chilly and snowy winter days as 'bleak' was putting it mildly.

Earth really did stand . . . 'hard as iron,' and water was indeed . . . 'like a stone.'

Fortunately, in the midst of that dreariness were the seasons of Advent and Christmas. As days got shorter and darker and colder, the holidays were a reminder that light was coming into the world, and that darkness would never have the final say. My Spirit would often cry out with the words of another carol:

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Today, as our world continues to move further and further into the 21^st century, I see both a whole lot of darkness, and at the same time a great longing for light. Sin abounds: poverty and violence, hatred and war, injustice and oppression. Religious zealots do battle with one another over truth. Nations and governments compete for power and control over world markets. And social classes condemn those who are not like they are. Darkness threatens to overwhelm us with anxiety, hopelessness, and fear.

Never the less, in spite of this darkness, people are looking for light. We search for grace and mercy, peace and love, and kindness and compassion. We strive to bring about that day when God’s kingdom comes, and when God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Perhaps that’s why so many of us will gather on Christmas Eve, in worship settings around the world, where we will sing about a silent and holy night . . . about “the Son of God . . . (about) love’s pure light.”

This year, as the darkness of December closes in, and as winter masks so many signs of life, may those of us who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ – those of us who strive to serve God and who seek to love our neighbor – may each one of us recommit ourselves to mirror the light of the Christ-child to the world. Let’s cry out with all creation, “break forth, O beauteous heavenly light.’ Let’s proclaim to all the world . . . “Joy to the world, the Lord has come.” Let’s celebrate the ‘Light’ this Christmas, and then let’s live the ‘Light’ throughout the New Year.

Pastor Bob Melone has been married 25 years to Jeanne (“Shan”) Hartzner Melone, and they have four children – Stefan, and his wife Leah, Jacob, who is a junior at Christopher Newport University, and Kirsten, who is a senior at Lafayette High School. Bob is the organizing pastor of Stone House Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg, VA, and has been serving in that capacity for the past 10 years. He was ordained in 1986, and has served in two additional churches. Bob was the Associate Pastor for Youth and Families at First Presbyterian Church in York, PA from 1986-1992, and the Senior Pastor/Head of Staff at First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Erie, PA from 1992-2000. He has a BA in International Relations from The American University; a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary; and a Doctorate of Ministry from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Bob loves the beach, Italian food, and living in Williamsburg.

Visit Stone House Presbyterian at http://www.shpchurch.org/home.html

Stone House Presbyterian Church is a progressive Christian congregation in Upper James City County, that worships at 10:00 am on Sunday mornings.

On Christmas Eve
Family Worship Gathering at 5:30 pm
Traditional Candlelight Service at 8:00 pm

We Play How We Practice

2011-11-16T01:50:00.001-05:00

by Pastor Christoph Fehrenbach, Christian Life Center

So much is made about preparation and practice, but ultimately what matters is how you perform, how you play. At least these are the things we remember. These are the things we recall. These are the things we record.

I'm writing this as October has just happened upon us. The feeling of Fall just crept into the morning air. I start my car in the morning, 10 minutes before I leave - simply to will the colder weather. I love the crisp air that is developing. School schedules are barely routine. Halloween is weeks away, Thanksgiving - well over a month away, but the headline of this morning's Daily Press read: Just 79 shopping days left. Really. Really? Honestly, I paused and asked: "For what?" I quickly did an assessment of where I was, who I was, and what was going on around me. The subheading read: Retailers put away school supplies, bring out Christmas Trees. A photograph of a local store manager checking stock of wrapping paper and gift bags emblazoned with penguins, snowmen, and polar bears quickly jogged my understanding or rather granted me clearer confusion.

Sports is all about preparation and practice.

School is all about preparation and practice.

Life, however, lends a caveat to that credence. We prepare 79 days for the giving of gifts, but I wonder - do we give even 79 seconds a day to the preparation of our lives, our existence, our purpose on this earth? If we're all about how we play, if we're all about the performance, why don't we prepare more?

We play how we practice.

I don't mean to communicate that we shouldn't be preparing for the giving of gifts as we celebrate the birth of The Christ. I think we should. I think - especially at this time of our nation's economy, we should make it a point - if possible - to do our part to help a slowly recovering economy. I think the Baby Jesus in a manger demands our attention and awareness. I think the singular Saviour Jesus in our world deserves our abilities and worship as well.

But we play how we practice.

We have 79 days left to plan for a holiday that esteems the birth of Jesus in our world. How much time do you give daily to exalt the life of Jesus in your world?

I know by the time this article is published we will be much closer to Christmas and that the 6 teams that are playing in the MLB playoffs will have been widdled down to one crowned champion. I know my 2-2 Cleveland Browns will have probably abandoned all hope for a winning record. I know that the Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte will have given way to the Peppermint Mocha. I know that I will really need to start my car 10 minutes before I leave, and I'll dislike doing it, compared to now - when I think it's novel and the fresh air of the morning is nice.

But how have you prepared for life while time moved forward? How have you practiced your religion outside of celebrations and church walls? How have you believed your beliefs?

We play how we practice. Practice well. Much love.

It only gets better.

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Christoph was born and raised in Williamsburg, Virginia and became a Follower of Jesus the Spring of his Senior year in High School. Prior to his salvation experience, Christoph had been chasing every avenue afforded him to escape the city of Williamsburg. Since that day, he has chosen time and again to remain in the wonderful City of Williamsburg. It is his Luz and has become his Bethel.
Christoph and his wife of 8 years throw themselves daily into God’s plan for their lives and the City He has planted them in.
They have a passion to revelate life to people, raise people up to live life, and release people to give life to others. Young, old, lost, found, broken, put together … Christoph & Tonya endeavor to bring Jesus to each and every individual, and when necessary, use words to do so.
Their favorite area of ministry is found in their prized disciples: their children – Asa and Jude. Christoph is privileged to share some thoughts with you this Holiday Season.

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Holiday Schedule:
Sunday, December 4 - Children's Christmas Program.
Sunday, December 25 - Christmas Day Celebration Service.

Christian Life Center4451 Longhill Road
Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
http://www.williamsburgclc.com/

Light and Dedication at Hanukkah

2011-11-16T01:49:00.001-05:00

by Rabbi David Katz

The Jewish calendar is filled with wisdom, particularly in the way that the holidays fit together. There’s much to be learned about life from observing which holidays follow the others, and at what time of year they occur, telling us a great deal about how we relate to and experience the world around us. One of my favorite ways to understand this idea is to think about Hanukkah.

In the northern hemisphere, Hanukkah usually takes place around the time of the winter solstice – which is, literally, the darkest time of the year. In the heart of winter, when the days are shortest and the nights longest, at those moments when we’re spending a lot of time inside and we see the least amount of sunlight that we do all year, the festival of Hanukkah comes along to literally bring more light into our lives. By giving us a holiday for which the most prominent symbol and ritual is to simply create light, at the moment of the year that has the most physical darkness, the calendar seems to be giving us a reason for hope and optimism. “Don’t despair,” the Hanukkiah (the nine-branched candelabra also known as a menorah) tells us; “It might be cold and gray and dark outside, but just like my candles, each day can be a little bit brighter. Have fun, eat a latke, and hang in there. More light is on the way!” This calendar seems to understand the natural rhythms of being human.

I’m often struck when I re-discover, year after year, how many people don't know what the word Hanukkah actually means. Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights, but if you look up the word in a Hebrew-English dictionary, you’ll find it defined by words like inauguration, consecration, and dedication. I’ve always been drawn to that last term, ‘dedication.’ If you know the story of Hanukkah, you might recognize that the Maccabees (ancient Israeli guerilla warriors who purged the Greek-influenced Syrians from their kingdom in the 2nd century BCE) used the miraculous vial of oil that lasted eight days to rededicate the Temple after it had been defiled by the Syrians. On the surface, theirs was a physical dedication, as they returned their most sacred space to its clean and pure state. However, this action was also symbolic of the rededication of the country, and its citizens, to what the Maccabees felt was the more truly Jewish way of life. The illumination within the Temple reflected the change going on within the Jews of Ancient Israel, as they returned, with renewed focus, to the ways of their tradition. A brighter Holy Place resulted in a clearer focus in people’s homes and hearts.

This year, as we light the Hanukkiyah, play dreidel games, give and receive gifts, and enjoy fun foods like potato latkes and sufganiyot (special jelly donuts, the traditional Hanukkah food in the modern State of Israel), we have a choice. We can simply enjoy these joyous holiday customs, or we can take the name of this celebration to heart, and use the festival as an impetus for our own inner re-dedicating. What would you like to focus on this holiday season? Are there parts of your life that require greater clarity, heightened insight, and renewed illumination? This year, I invite you to make Hanukkah not just your Festival of Light, but also your Festival of Consecration, Inauguration, and Rededication, marking a return to or a renewal of your own inner work. May you have a Hag Hanukkah Sameach – a very happy, and meaningful, Hanukkah celebration.

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Rabbi David Katz is the rabbi at Temple Beth El of Williamsburg, and also serves as rabbi for Balfour Hillel, the Jewish student organization at the College of William & Mary. He has served at Temple Beth El since October, 2010. He previously served as Assistant Rabbi and Director of Education at Kehilat HaNahar: The Little Shul by the River, a synagogue in New Hope, PA.
     Rabbi David grew up in New York City, and holds a B.A. in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo, with a minor in Media Studies. He was ordained as rabbi at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in June, 2009, where he earned a Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters.
     Before attending rabbinical school, Rabbi David worked as the Youth and Program Director at a synagogue in Texas, as the Director of Cultural Programming at a Jewish Community Center in Florida, with troubled teenagers at a program for youth in crisis in Texas, and as a teacher in public schools in New York City and Florida.
     An avid sports fan, who is particularly devoted to the New York Mets, he also enjoys music and film. He is married to Dr. Amy Lazev, a clinical psychologist. They have two sons, Noah (age 7) and Elijah (age 2).

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Temple Beth El of Williamsburg
600 Jamestown Road at Indian Springs Road
Fri. Night Service: 7:30pm;
Sat. Morning Service: 10am
Office: (757)220-1205, www.temple-bethel.com

Happy Birthday Jesus

2011-11-16T01:43:00.005-05:00

by Rev. Dr. Reginald F. Davis, Pastor First Baptist

Birthday celebrations go back for many centuries. It can be traced back before the rise of Christianity. Birthday celebrations were thought to bring good wishes and ward off evil spirits for the birthday person. Early records of birthday celebrations show that these events were only for kings, high-ranking nobility and those who held high positions in society. Common people during this time were not able to celebrate birthdays. “Scholars believe that this difference existed because only the nobility was wealthy enough to throw birthday parties and was considered important enough to write about.” The greatest celebrated birthday in human history is not the Pharaohs of Egypt, not the Caesars of Rome, and not the rulers of monarchs. The greatest celebrated birthday is Jesus Christ, and he has extended an invitation to all human beings to come unto him and receive life and forgiveness through the only begotten Son of God.

This holiday season is a time to not only come to Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin and become a new creature; but it is a time to say, “Happy Birthday” to the greatest human being who ever graced this planet. “All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned put together have not affected the life of [people] on this earth as much as [this] one solitary life.” Every Christmas we say, “Happy Birthday Jesus.” We know it was a great sacrifice to leave your royalty, your glory, your majesty and your power in heaven and come to this dark and evil world to save us. We don’t know how old you were before you come to us, but we are glad that you came to grant us the right to the tree of life. For this we say, “Happy Birthday Jesus!” We may not understand biologically and scientifically the Immaculate Conception, but “Happy Birthday Jesus!” Your coming into the world caused sorrow to flood the streets of Bethlehem Rachel weeping for her children because King Herod had many children killed two years old and under to destroy you, but “Happy Birthday Jesus!” The star guided the wise men from the east so they could find you to say, “Happy Birthday Jesus!” They gave you gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to say, “Happy Birthday Jesus!” These gifts were fine but the real gift was you. “Happy Birthday Jesus!”

We know there were no kings, no queens and no government officials to welcome you, but “Happy Birthday Jesus!” The poor shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night came to see you and returned glorifying and praising God for you. “Happy Birthday Jesus!” Although there was no golden carriage to receive you, no trumpet to announce your birth and no crystal palace to celebrate your presence, nevertheless, we say, “Happy Birthday Jesus!” There was no room in the inn for you, but “Happy Birthday Jesus!” There was no warm bed to be born in, but “Happy Birthday Jesus!” All you had was a makeshift-feeding trough called a manger, which you were laid in, but “Happy Birthday Jesus!” The swaddling clothes you were wrapped in were not fine linen, but “Happy Birthday Jesus!” There was no baby shower for you, but “Happy Birthday Jesus!”

You came to us knowing that you would be born in oppression, nurtured in social discrimination, raised economically poor, and politically disenfranchised, but you came anyhow because you love us so. For this we say, “Happy Birthday Jesus!” You became poor that we might be rich. You became our sacrifice so we might live. “Happy Birthday Jesus!” You knew the world would despise and reject you, and you would be a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief, but “Happy birthday Jesus!” You knew we would hide our faces from you and not esteem you, but “Happy birthday Jesus!” You came to bare our grief and carry our sorrow, and we joyfully say, “Happy Birthday Jesus!”

We celebrate your coming into the world not because we desired light, justice and righteousness —for men love darkness rather than light. We celebrate your coming into the world not because we kept your commands so well. We know all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We celebrate your coming into the world because in the midst of our evilness, in the midst of our ungodliness, in the midst of our hopelessness, in the midst of lovelessness, and lifelessness, and in the midst of man’s inhumanity to man, you came to do something for us that we could not do for ourselves. “You were wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, and the chastisement of our peace was upon you, and because of your stripes we are healed.” For this we say, “Happy Birthday Jesus!”

Because you came to us 2000 years ago and set us free from the bondage of sin and evil, we say to you durng this season, “Happy Birthday Jesus!” Because of you, we can face tomorrow. Because of you:

Our mess has been turned into a message;

Our troubles have turned into testimonies;

Our burdens have become blessings;

Our obstacles have become opportunities;

Our mountains have become miracles;

Because of you:

Our pain has become poetry;

Our shame has been transformed into songs;

Our crosses have been turned into crowns;

Our dark yesterdays have become bright tomorrows.

Happy Birthday Jesus! We celebrate you because in spite of ourselves you looked beyond our faults and saw our need.

Thank you for the gift of life!

Thank you for your grace and mercy!

Thank you for your inexhaustible love!

Thank you for being the reason for the season!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

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Rev. Dr. Reginald F. Davis pastors Historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg on Scotland St. He has authored two books: Frederick Douglass A Precursor of Liberation Theology; and The Black Church Relevant or Irrelevant in the 21^st Century. Links to where you can purchase his books are Mercer University Press www.MUPress.org and Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc. www.Smyth&helwys.com, and Amazon.com. The author can be contacted at mdavis118@cox.net or Drdavis04@aol.com

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Church Service
Worship Service: 11 AM - each Sunday
Sunday School: 9:30 AM - each Sunday

First Baptist Church 727 Scotland Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
http://www.firstbaptistchurch1776.org/

A Drastically Different Christmas

2011-11-16T01:39:00.008-05:00

by Eric Scholten, pastor of Living Proof Baptist Church

I have lived through many Christmases in my life. I can remember the early years when my enjoyment of Christmas was determined by the size of the pile of gifts under the tree. Honestly, as long as my pile was slightly larger than my sister’s, I was happy. I unfortunately went through the disillusioned years when, as a teenager, I thought it was lame to get excited about Christmas morning and would saunter downstairs in a way that communicated that I was not giddy, eager or, sometimes, even generally interested. As I moved off to college a new appreciation for Christmas entered my mind as I thought more about family and traditions and saw Christmas as an opportunity to give. Then something drastic happened to me, which changed the way I have looked at Christmas ever since.

In January of 1996 I became a follower of Jesus. I had no idea what God had in store for my life, but I knew a couple of things for sure. 1) Jesus died for me. This truth had slowly sunk in over the previous few months as dear friends of mine graciously shared the story of Jesus with me. I had come to understand that I needed someone to do something for me that I could never do for myself; I needed forgiveness. My rebellious heart loved pushing God and his goodness away. I came to realize that this rebellion, or sin, was the very thing that would separate me from God forever. As I began to think that I did not want this separation, I wondered how I could overcome. Then I learned that Jesus had overcome for me. He had died in my place, taking my guilt and my punishment so that I could be forgiven. And then God raised him from the dead. Wow! This news sent me reeling. I was amazed that I had never contemplated this truth before, but now it was changing everything about me. 2) Jesus wanted me. I realized that Jesus died for me because he wanted my life. He wanted me to find my satisfaction in him alone. He wanted me to give all that I was to him. As I continued to think about the Gift he gave for me and to me, I gladly wanted to give my life to him. So, in simple faith, I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sin and I surrendered my life to him.

How did this change my Christmases? I still enjoy gifts under the tree. Although now it is because I get to see my five kids open them. I still like to think about family and traditions. I even don’t mind sauntering into the living room a little late, but that is just to get a response from my kids as tired daddy can’t seem to get himself out of bed quickly enough. While all of these things are wonderful, and I enjoy them thoroughly, my Christmases have become all about Jesus and the gift of his life given to the world.

Each year we get the opportunity to celebrate the giving of Jesus to us by our heavenly Father. The value of this gift is inestimable. Think about these words from Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi. “…Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:5-7) He had everything in all of creation at his disposal. He enjoyed the perfect fellowship that is found only in the Triune God-head. And he placed those things aside so that he could become like us. He left the glories of heaven to step into a world broken and reeling. He did this so that he could give the gift of life to all who would turn to him in faith and trust. What a gift. What a sacrifice. What a wonderful Jesus.

So this Christmas, as I am awakened by excited little kids with morning breath and bedhead, and I make my way (albeit slowly) to the living room, and sit and watch wrapping paper fly, my joy will come from thinking about my Jesus who changed me and continues to do so to this day. This Christmas, as you consider the Gift given for you, might this be the year that you give your life to Jesus? God bless.

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Eric Scholten describes himself as, “a fairly normal guy who loves his Lord, loves his family, and loves his church.” Eric has served God’s people at Living Proof Baptist Church as pastor since September 2009. Prior to that, he and his family served as church planters in Northern Africa and the Middle East. Eric has the great responsibility and joy of standing each week before the body of Christ in order to preach and teach God’s word.

Eric has been married to the love of his life, Dawn, for almost 11 years. Together, they have been blessed with four beautiful children: Leah, Hannah, Judah, and Micah.

Eric earned his Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC and his Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.

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Living Proof BaptistChurch

309 Waltz Farm Drive

Williamsburg, VA 23185

Office- 757-565-6414

www.livingproofbc.org

Living Proof Baptist Church Holiday Schedule
Candlelight Lord’s Supper service on Christmas Eve at 6:00 pm

Each Year Tells the Familiar Story

2011-11-16T01:36:00.004-05:00

By Monsignor Michael McCarron, Pastor

Each year tells the familiar story. How an angel announced to a virgin that God was not angry, but fiercely in love. Of how she believed that love and was caught up in the miracle of it, forever changed. Of how a surprised husband believed in HIS love too, for her, and took her in, caught up in love for God and for her. And we hear once again how more angels made the night skies ring with a song only the lowly seemed to hear, of how the melody of redemption had come to crescendo, and death was soon to die. All this because of God, crazy in love with His people; crazy enough to become one of them, in the care of the virgin and her husband…and well, US.

At least that is what we hear every year. But the truth is we listen only lightly. When the presents are finally purchased, the vacation is over and the trees are down at last, we look to the night sky, and see not angels, but mainly just “dark”. We don’t take particularly good care of the gift we have been given, do we? 2000 years and more, and still there is war and violence; outside of us between nations, and amongst us too, with our words as deadly as a rifle. The poor still go on forced marches, not for the “Census”, but for jobs, or to follow the crops, or to find a home, wherever the nearest Bethlehem might be. Still, the lonely and the broken too often find our hearts too crowded to offer them room.

Perhaps we have started in the wrong place. I think we have spent too much time focused on the overwhelming nature of the gift. Looking at what we have been so selflessly offered, we can quickly judge ourselves unworthy of such a gift, incapable of its demands, unwilling to believe its promises. We pay such attention to the event, that we can make it something others should note, and like the crowds in Bethlehem so long ago paying little heed to the noise coming from the skies.

Perhaps we should refocus, by looking more at the Giver. I can be so overwhelmed by the gift God is giving in Himself; I look at my smallness and my inability to respond. It is overwhelming! However, when I look to the Giver, the God so crazy in love, I realize He sends all I need to accept the gift and care for it. If I start with GOD and His power and goodness, my inadequacies are of little importance. When God became human, Christians believe He well knew what awaited Him in this world. But Incarnate He came nonetheless. He gives the greatest gift, His very self, in Jesus. By the power of the Spirit, He gives to us, like Mary and Joseph, all we need both to accept Him and to care for Him enough to bring Him into the world.

It is Christmas. We will listen to the story again. Angels will announce and sing, and the Gift will be entrusted to us once more. This year, think less of how fantastic and big the story is, and more about how fantastic and great the Giver of the Gift wants to make me in order to receive it.

A Blessed Christmas!

Monsignor Michael McCarron is pastor or Saint Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg.He can be reached by email at mmdm@bedeva.org

Monsignor Michael McCarron, Pastor

St. Bede Catholic Church
3686 Ironbound Road,
Williamsburg, VA 23188, (757) 229-3631
http://www.bedeva.org/

Saint Bede Catholic Church
Christmas Liturgies – 2011
December 24

4:00 pm Saint Bede Church, 3686 Ironbound Road

4:30 pm Catholic Campus Ministry Chapel, 500 Richmond Road

4:30 pm Parish Center, 500 Richmond Road

7:00 pm Saint Bede Church, 3686 Ironbound Road

December 25

12:00 am Saint Bede Church, 3686 Ironbound Road

9:00 am Saint Bede Church, 3686 Ironbound Road

11:00 am Saint Bede Church, 3686 Ironbound Road

December 31

5:30 pm Saint Bede Church, 3686 Ironbound Road

January 1

7:15 am Saint Bede Church, 3686 Ironbound Road

9:00 am Saint Bede Church, 3686 Ironbound Road

11:00 am Saint Bede Church 3686 Ironbound Road

Looking for the Perfect Gift?

2011-11-16T01:34:00.002-05:00

by Rev. Bill Harmon

At this time of the year I often find myself spending countless hours in search of the perfect gift. Do you find yourself doing this too?

For many people, the Christmas season represents the search for a unique gift: a gift sure to dazzle its recipient. The hope is that this gift is immune from the ever-changing fads of the times, retaining its luster even after the lights and decorations have come down for the year. We all want to give that gift that everyone will remember. At the same time, we like to receive that kind of gift as well.

As you may have discovered such a gift cannot be found in the stores, on the internet, or in one of the hundreds of catalogues you have found in your mailbox. A gift of this sort is not for sale. Truth be told, any gift we purchase this year runs the risk of being out of date, out of style, or out of commission as early as the next day!

There is only one perfect gift. His name is Jesus Christ. He alone offers indescribable joy that will never go out of style. He alone offers amazing love that will never fade away. He alone offers transcendent peace that will last for eternity.

Each and every year Christmas proves to be a truly meaningful time as we gather together to exchange gifts with those we love, and celebrate the festive feeling so prevalent at this time of the year. Yet all of these blessings prove brighter and more joyful in light of the original and ultimate Christmas gift: Jesus, the promised Messiah and Savior of the world.

The Christmas season provides an opportunity for all people to contemplate a God who loves us in such an amazing way that He chose to be born in a manger. We rejoice in a God who came into His world, lived the life of a human, and offered His life on a cross to bring life and salvation. His offer still stands for you. He came to provide all people with an eternal future and a greater sense of purpose in His power and love. Will you receive His gift?

In this season of good tidings, comfort and joy may you find them in the greatest gift of all. The perfect gift, the gift of Jesus and His life changing love for you. Merry Christmas!

Rev. Bill Harmon attended Concordia College, Bronxville New York where he completed the Pre-Seminary
program and earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Judeo-Christian Heritage. Following his graduation from college, Pastor Harmon went on to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, where he graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree. He was ordained into the ministry on June 14, 1998.
Pastor Harmon previously served as Associate Pastor in Flat Rock, Michigan. Pastor then accepted the call to serve as Associate Pastor of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Garden City, New York. His duties as Associate Pastor included family ministry, youth, and children’s ministry. In 2002, Pastor Harmon was called to serve as the Lead Pastor at Resurrection.
Pastor has served as Circuit Counselor of the Nassau Circuit of the Atlantic District, Member of the Board of Directors of Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School and an adjunct religion teacher at the school. He has served as Chair of the Garden City Clergy Fellowship, Director and Board Member of the Garden City Community Council on Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention and Member of the Board of Directors of Lutheran Social Services of New York.
In 2008 Pastor Harmon accepted the call to serve the Lord at King of Glory, Williamsburg, Virginia. Pastor Harmon is blessed to be married to his wonderful wife and honored to be the father of their three children.

King Of Glory

4897 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188

www.kogva.org

Events and Holiday Service Schedule

Christmas Eve Services

These services include special music and message for children:

4:00PM: Family Service

6:00PM: Family Service

These services follow a more traditional format:

8:00PM: Candle Light and Carols

10:00PM: Candle Light and Carols

Christmas Day Services: The Nativity of Our Lord

10:00AM Festival Service

This year Christmas Day is a Sunday.Therefore we will only have the 10:00 AM service that day.

New Kent Site Christmas Service: 6:00 PM

How Do You Measure Up?

2011-11-16T01:31:00.002-05:00

By Pastor Jon Ritner

Williamsburg Community Chapel

Jon Ritner serves as Associate Pastor of the Williamsburg Community Chapel. Jon is a native of the New York City suburbs but has called Williamsburg home for 14 of the last 17 years. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and earned his Masters degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School outside Chicago, IL. He has been on staff at the Chapel since 2002.

Jon and his wife, Kristyn, have a 5 year old daughter, Addison Clark, and a 2 year old son, Jackson Noah. The Ritner family highlight of 2010 was taking Addy to her first Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Addy is named after the two streets that run alongside Wrigley, West Addison St. and North Clark St. The Ritners can be found most weekends at Tribe games, Chick Fil-A or tracking down the sheep in Colonial Williamsburg.

Williamsburg Community Chapel
3899 John Tyler Highway
757-229-7152

www.wcchapel.org

Holiday Service Schedule

4:30, 6:30 Family style Services
11 Candlelight ServicePM
NO Christmas morning services

Early is Okay

2011-11-16T01:27:00.001-05:00

by Jalyn Ickes

edited by Eric Ickes - Pastor, Waller Mill Bible Church

By the time October rolled around, I had already been thinking quite a lot about Christmas. In fact, I was even ahead of the local retailers, for a change! The reason is that I had recently read a missions letter from some dear friends in Asia, and in their part of the globe, the retailers have the Christmas decorations in place and the carols playing by the beginning of September. Their letter challenged me because, I am often one of those people who comments every year how I can’t believe that the stores are putting up Christmas “stuff” and it’s only October. But this missionary caused me to think about that “complaint.” Why not put them up that early? Is it not one of our favorite times of the year? Why not take three months out of the year to think about Christmas? After all, I know the true reason for the season. Shouldn’t I really be celebrating it all year long?

You see, it isn’t about Santa Claus, nor the cheerful music that makes me smile, nor the way the season seems to make even over-worked and stressed-out cashiers a little more pleasant, nor the chance to give a gift to someone I love. It is so much more than that to me. It is a chance to reflect on the most precious gift anyone has ever given to me. The God of the universe chose to give Himself in human form, to come to earth and live among the very humans He created. Even though we are deserving of His wrath, He came to provide forgiveness and salvation. He could have written us off, but instead, He decided to show grace, mercy and the ultimate act of love in coming down from His home in Heaven, being born of a virgin, and then dying in our place in order to provide a covering for our sins.

And that brings us to Easter.......ahhh, another “holiday” to celebrate everyday of the year. To die for all and then to raise Himself from the grave! It really doesn’t get any better than that. I think I should pull out my little cross that says, “He is Risen” and put it beside the tree this year. This is why I live! In Him I find my life’s purpose and joy! If it weren’t for His birth, death and resurrection, I would be without hope.

So as I have been meditating upon these truths, I decided to turn on Pandora in order to listen to some of my favorite Christmas carols. This time, with a different sense of reflection. It is only October, but why not start celebrating my Savior’s birth right now? Even walking into Walmart this year has been different. I find myself smiling at the thought of remembering the birth of my Savior -- a little earlier this year, but without any sense that “it is too early”.

So I hope the next time you are tempted to think, “Why are they selling Christmas things already?” or “I can’t believe that they are already playing Christmas music!”, that you will stop and thank the God who gave the greatest gift of all, and thereby, be able to fully enjoy the true reason for this season. And perhaps, even wish that it was more than just three months out of the year.

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Jalyn Ickes has been married to Eric Ickes (pastor, Waller Mill Bible Church) for 19 years, and is a homeschool mother of three children.

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Waller Mill Bible Church100 Carrs Hill RoadWilliamsburg, VA 23185

website: http://www.wallermillbiblechurch.org/

Christmas Church Schedule
Sunday School, 9:30 AM; Worship, 10:30 AM

Not Alone, After All

2011-11-16T01:25:00.002-05:00

By Rev. Allie Rosner, Williamsburg United Methodist Church

Over the years, my family’s Christmas traditions have changed from time to time, as traditions do. We’ve changed when we see our extended family and for how long; when and where we go to church; what kind of gifts find their way under the tree. But there’s at least one piece of Christmas past that promises to reemerge year after year: sometime during the Christmas season my brother and I have to watch Home Alone. We’ll probably watch Home Alone 2, as well. Preferably as soon after Thanksgiving as possible. At my parents’ house, these movies are an essential aspect of the holiday season.

If you haven’t seen these Christmas classics in a while, here’s a recap: In the first movie (Chris Columbus, 1990), 8-year-old Kevin McAllister accidentally gets left behind while his family travels to France for the holidays. While he’s home, he discovers that two burglars, Harry and Marv, are planning to rob his house, and he concocts an elaborate scheme to thwart them. In the second movie (1992), Kevin accidentally gets on a plane to New York City while his family flies to Florida for the holidays, and there runs into Harry and Marv again as they plan to rob a local toy store. There’s nothing uniquely Christian about either movie, of course. They’re both, in many ways, your typical feel-good secular Christmas family comedy where a kid fights some bad guys, grows up a little, and learns to appreciate his family. And while it’s better for Christmas to be about appreciating your family than about how many presents you get, that’s hardly the whole story as Christians understand it.

But at the same time, I think we can see in the Home Alone movies a few glimpses of the real Christmas story—the one the Bible tells, not just the one America tells.

In each of the movies, Kevin ends up befriending the outcast. In the first, it’s Old Man Marley, Kevin’s silent, elderly neighbor who walks around with a snow shovel salting people’s sidewalks. Kevin’s brother Buzz calls Marley the South Bend Shovel Slayer and whispers that he murders people and keeps the bodies in his trash can full of salt. In the second movie, it’s the Pigeon Lady, who spends her days feeding and serving as a roost for the birds of Central Park. The first time Kevin meets each of these people, he runs away screaming.

Kevin meets Old Man Marley again in church on Christmas Eve, where both are listening to the choir practice for that night’s service. When Old Man Marley sits down next to him, Kevin can’t run away this time. It turns out Marley is there to hear his granddaughter sing. Because of a falling out with his son long ago, he can’t come to hear her in the service. As Marley and Kevin talk, it turns out they have a lot in common—they haven’t appreciated the people they love, and they both miss their families. Likewise, when Kevin runs into the Pigeon Lady again, he learns her story as they sit and listen to music on the roof of Carnegie Hall. She hadn’t always been that way, she told him. She had a home and a family and a job. But after the man she loved left her, she was afraid to love or be loved by anyone again.

The Christmas story as we read it in the Bible invites us to befriend the outcasts. It invites us to see that unmarried mother, that refugee family, that homeless baby, in a new way. Maybe their story, after all, isn’t what we think it is. We may meet God in church on Christmas Eve, but we might just as surely meet God in a stable in Bethlehem, or on the streets of our own neighborhood, or in Central Park.

I don’t think we can claim to take the Christmas story seriously without admitting that it calls us to love the outcasts—not just love them from afar, with our money and our sympathy, but love them by knowing them and their stories. That, after all, is the whole point of Jesus’ birth. On Christmas we celebrate the fact that Jesus became human so that God could love us not from afar, but by being here with us, having a life in common with us, knowing our stories, knowing our struggles, calling us to repair our broken relationships. The human life into which Jesus is born on Christmas is a life lived among outcasts—the poor, the sick, the lonely, the ones society labeled as “bad.” If we make a sincere attempt to follow him, there’s a 0% chance we won’t find ourselves among those same people. Christmas means sitting next to Old Man Marley in church and hanging out with the Pigeon Lady in our own parks and squares.

But there’s more than that, too.

Near the beginning of each movie, Kevin is alone. After the initial thrill—“I made my family disappear!”—he realizes how lonely he really is. And while there’s a lot Kevin can do by himself—order pizza, go grocery shopping, defend his house from Harry and Marv—he can’t do it all. And thus he finds himself, finally, in the grip of the bad guys. Defeat is imminent—when none other than Marley comes up from behind, clocks Harry and Marv with his shovel, and saves Kevin.

Likewise in the sequel, Kevin can do a lot of things alone in New York—book a hotel, hail a cab, and protect Mr. Duncan’s toy store. But again, he can’t do it all—and finds himself, again, in the hands of Harry and Marv. Enter the Pigeon Lady, with her bag full of bird seed, which she throws on the bad guys and waits for the birds to do their worst. Each time, it turns out Kevin can’t quite do it all alone. But that’s OK. In the end, he’s not alone, after all.

The world can be a lonely place—even if sometimes we wish everyone around us would just disappear. We’ve all experienced that loneliness at one time or another. We muddle through, most of the time, thinking we can get by on our own—but at the end of the day, sometimes it just seems like the bad guys, literal or metaphorical, are going to get the best of us again.

But the best part of Christmas is that we’re not alone. Jesus is Immanuel, God With Us. Of course, God has been with us all along, but in Jesus that is true in a new way. Jesus is born, Jesus lives, so that we don’t have to go through this life alone. Our struggles have been God’s struggles. Our human story has been God’s story. Jesus makes each part of this life holy by living it himself.

In the end, we can’t do it alone. We need to be saved from ourselves, reminded what it means to live in light of grace and forgiveness, pointed back toward the God who created us in God’s own image, back toward the people whom God loves. And we might get up each morning and try to muddle through the best we can, but in the end, we fall short. At the end of the day, we just can’t quite do it all alone.

But that’s OK. In the end, it turns out, we’re not alone, after all.

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Allie Rosner is the associate pastor at Williamsburg United Methodist Church, and a William & Mary alum (’06). Go Tribe!

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Williamsburg United Methodist Church500 Jamestown Road
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Office Phone : 757. 229.1771
Office Fax : 757. 229.1223
Our office hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

www.williamsburgumc.org

Holiday Schedule, Williamsburg UMC

Sunday worship in Advent, 8:15 am and 11:00 am, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11, and 18

Handel’s Messiah: Saturday, Dec. 3, 5 pm

Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: Family service 5:30 pm, Candlelight services 8 pm and 11 pm

Christmas Day, Dec. 25: worship at 11 am

For Those Who Don't Believe: A Christmas Story for All

2011-11-16T01:08:00.001-05:00

by Rev. Jennifer Ryu
For Bible-believing Christians, the season of Jesus’ birth is a precious and sacred time. Yet, even those of us who do not regard the Bible literally find deep meaning in its pages. We are challenged by the lessons Jesus taught and are called to his vision of unbounded love. Without denigrating or demeaning the lens through which others read the Bible, I offer my own understanding of the Christmas Story.

Of the four Gospels in the Christian Bible, two of them tell the story of Jesus’ birth: Matthew and Luke. These two versions are not the same; the characters are different and the places and events are different.

It doesn’t matter what those details are or which story is more historically accurate. What is important is that these stories were written by people who struggled with life just like we do.

These people had wonderful imaginations. They were able to imagine radiant angels, humble shepherds; bright stars, wise men and, of course, a baby born in a stable surrounded by animals.

In many churches, the version by Luke is often recounted on Christmas Eve. The world that the writer of Luke describes is a world ruled by a powerful Emperor. This was no ordinary Emperor. This was Caesar Augustus. His very name was mighty, meaning most exalted--most high. He held ultimate power over the land, and many people started to think of this man as God.

But this man took things from the people so that he could buy more land for himself. He took their most valued possessions so that he could gain more power and wealth for himself.

Luke, who loved God with all his heart, grew angry at the idea that his neighbors were treating the Emperor like God. After all, only God was God.

Luke was a devoted follower of Jesus. He studied the teachings of Jesus and agreed with his message of loving your neighbor and valuing each and every person no matter if they were poor or if they were this religion or that religion.

It didn’t matter—every person had worth and dignity.

And so Luke wrote a story to get his readers to think about whom they wanted to serve. Will it be Ceasar or will it be God? Will it be the man who insists that we strain our necks to look up to him, or will it be God, the one who comes to us, nestles in our very hearts and tells us:

Each one of you is favored.

You don’t have to be rich and live in a big house.

You don’t have to have a powerful job.

You don’t have to be smart or go to the best school.

You don’t have to wear designer clothes or go far away for your vacations.

Your family doesn’t have to look a certain way

You can be a young, unmarried couple, with a child on the way.

You can be born, not in a hospital, but in a feeding trough full of hay.

No matter how we hold the Christmas story, if we are willing to stop serving the masters of material excess and start serving the light inside our hearts, we will find peace and love this holiday season.

Jennifer Ryu has been serving the Unitarian Universalist congregation in Williamsburg for five years. This is her first parish ministry since graduating from seminary in 2005. Rev. Jennifer’s prior career was in human resources and information systems. She was born in South Korea and became a naturalized U.S. citizen when she was 11 years old.

Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists

3051 Ironbound Road (near Five Forks intersection)

www.wuu.org

Holiday Events & Worship at Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists

Friday, Dec. 9:

Family Yule Sing, 5:30 pm. Trim the tree with handmade crafts, sing our favorite carols, and enjoy yummy snacks.

Thursday, Dec. 22:

Caroling with Chili Supper, 6:30 pm. After we warm up our bellies, we will visit local senior communities.

Saturday, Dec. 24: 5:00 pm Christmas Eve Pageant "The Spirit of the Christmas Tree" a Unitarian Universalist service for All Ages
9:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Sunday, Dec. 25: One Service at 11:15 a.m. All Ages Christmas Day Service with Rev. Jennifer Ryu

Christmas

2011-11-15T23:55:00.003-05:00

By Sister Mary Jeanne Oesterle, President, Walsingham Academy

As we prepare for one of the most beautiful and joyful times of the year, we each stop in our own way to reflect, remember and celebrate the birth of Christ.

In Luke 2, we read the words, “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the City of David a Savior who is the Messiah, the Lord.” A humble maiden’s willingness to serve as the Mother of God changed the world for all times. Though she did not understand what the words of the angel Gabriel meant when he appeared to her in Nazareth, she said ‘Yes’ to the will of God. There was such simplicity in this birth and in the first visitors to the child Jesus; at the same time, such a glorious and magnificent display of love. All of Heaven rejoiced, singing “A Savior has been born to us, He is Christ the Lord.”

Many of us spend weeks preparing for Christmas, both spiritually and physically. During the Advent season, we are challenged spiritually to be Advent people for ourselves and others to prepare for the coming of God’s Word Made Flesh. In the busyness around us, we are called to pause and take a few quiet moments to ask God’s grace to help us prepare for the arrival of the Lord. This time, when we take it, is a gift.

There is such beauty and excitement in preparing for Christmas. We who teach young people see it in their eyes each day as the glorious feast approaches. We see the joy in making it a special time for those around us. We see it in the sheer happiness of young people reenacting the first Christmas, realizing that they are deeply loved by God. Their demonstrations of faith and understanding of this celebration is God’s special gift to each of us.

Christmas can become so filled with crossing items off our ‘To-Do’ lists, yet each of us know that we are celebrating the greatest gift of love, hope, peace and joy the world has ever received. We celebrate because over two thousand years ago, in a tiny little village in a remote part of the world, a child was born to save us, to teach us the greatest lesson of all: that each of us is truly loved by God. The child born that special night came to change the world forever; this child, God With Us.

“Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2, 10-11.

May each of us have a beautiful Christmas filled with hope, ever mindful to share this gift of love with one another.

Merry Christmas

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Sister Mary Jeanne Oesterle

President of Walsingham Academy

Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Sister Mary Jeanne Oesterle attended Catholic school from Kindergarten through university. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Gwynedd Mercy College, a master’s degree in Education Administration from Bloomsburg University, and received administrative certification from Fairfield University.

Sr. Mary Jeanne began her career in education in 1967 as a teacher of both elementary and mentally challenged students. For over thirty years, she has served as an education administrator in a number of fine Mercy schools. Her passion is working with and ministering to young people in their formative years.

Sr. Mary Jeanne joined Walsingham Academy in 1990; she served fourteen years as Principal of the Walsingham Academy Lower School before her appointment as President of the Academy in 2004.

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Walsingham Academy

1100 Jamestown Road

PO Box 8702

Williamsburg VA 23187

www.walsingham.org

Avoiding the Post-Christmas Let-Down

2011-11-15T23:53:00.001-05:00

by Mark Hollingsworth, Pastor, Liberty Baptist Church, Lanexa

There can be no question that Christmas is a special time of year. It seems that just about everybody experiences that “Christmas spirit,” where we are all nice to one another (or at least nicer than normal). People get excited about giving instead of receiving, we get time off from work and families are together. For these and many other reasons, Christmas is a wonderful, happy time of year. But we also hear about “post-Christmas let-down,” a kind of depression that many seem to experience after all the festivities and parties and gift-giving and family gatherings are over, and the new year begins. Where does that come from? Some people know this “post-Christmas let-down” all too well; they experience it every year. For them, the real miracle of Christmas would be if that joy they felt during Christmas would last the rest of the year. Isn’t it ironic, then, that the very one whose “birthday” we celebrate at Christmas is the same one who holds the key to year-long, life-long, and even eternal joy?

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son” (Gal 4:4). The world was united under the Roman Empire, there was a universal Greek language, and the stage was set for the most significant event in human history, the reason we celebrate Christmas: the birth of Jesus Christ in the town of Bethlehem. But the Bible says that this was no ordinary birth of a baby; it was the incarnation of the Son of God; that is, God literally “becoming flesh.” According to the Bible, the baby laid in the manger that night was God Himself.

As this baby grew, He said some shocking things. One of them was, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus Himself said that only by trusting Him can we have true life, eternal life. Amazingly, He even said that in finding true life in Him, we find true joy: “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:11). In fact, when we connect God’s own words from the Old Testament with the words of Christ, we find the key to lasting, true joy: “In your presence is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forever” (Psalm 16:11). Could it be that we are seeking “pleasure” and “joy” in all the wrong things? Perhaps we are seeking things that only bring temporary joy, when God wants to give us joy that never ends. Then, according to the Bible, there is only one place to find it: “in His presence,” as Psalm 16:11 says.

This is why Jesus was born into this world: to bring us into the very presence of God—not just one day after we die, but right now. The real miracle of Christmas is that this child whose birth we celebrate is also the only one who can bring us lasting, eternal joy in the presence of God. The truth is, the “Baby Jesus” didn’t stay a baby. He grew up, He became a man, and He never sinned. He never disobeyed His Father. This is so very different from us—the Bible says Jesus “committed no sin” (1 Pet 2:22), but it says that we “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). We all deserve death and judgment for our sin (Rom 6:23), but as Jesus died on the cross, He received the punishment meant for us (Is 53:5). Having given Himself as our sacrifice, He is risen from the dead and the only one able to bring us into the presence of the God who created us, where we will surely find eternal joy. For this to happen, we must “repent and believe the Gospel” (Mk 1:15). Turn from your sins and entrust your life, your soul, to the one who loved you enough to die for you.

Because, you see, the miracle of Christmas is not that the Christ child was born in Bethlehem. The miracle of Christmas only happens if He is born in you. And if He is truly born in you, you will never again experience a “post-Christmas let-down.” You have God’s promise.

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Pastor - Mark Hollingsworth came to Liberty Baptist Church as pastor in February of 2008. Born in Paducah, KY in 1967, he became a christian at an early age. He holds degrees from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA; Luther Rice Seminary in Atlanta, GA; and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY.
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Liberty Baptist Church15810 Liberty Church Road
Lanexa, VA 23089
804-966-2659www.lanexaliberty.org

Holiday Services:
Christmas Eve Candle Light Service
December 24 - 5 PM
Christmas Day
December 25 - 10:30 AM

Blue Christmas

2011-11-15T23:43:00.003-05:00

by Rev. Max Blalock

Last year, a few days before Christmas, I received a phone call from a friend. Now, here in the midst of the holidays, we are supposed to be hearing good news, wishes of good cheer, greetings of “Merry Christmas!” and “Happy Holidays!” It’s not supposed to be the type of news that this phone call brought. It was the news that a dear friend of ours was dying. He had suffered a massive heart attack, and his wife was choosing to make the decision to let him go and give others life by donating his organs. You see, my friend was a man in his thirties, and his wife is in her twenties: far too early for dying and for being a widow. But here it is, right in the midst of “the most wonderful time of the year.” What do we do with our grief and our sadness in the midst of the time of year that we are supposed to be the happiest? How do we love and care for one another when the holidays serve only to remind us of who or what we have lost? When we don’t bring have any sense of real joy and happiness? We dare. We dare to be with ourselves and with each other in the midst of the grief and the sorrow. We dare to let the darkness and the silence of the season be made just as holy as the light and the singing. We dare to be like a God who dared to come down and meet us just as we are and right where we are, and do the same with one another. We don’t ignore it. We dare to trust God, ourselves, and those closest to us to join us in this time of grief and sorrow.

It is said that the German priest Martin Luther never told the Christmas story without including the story of the massacre of the infants by Herod and his soldiers. He believed that in order to be true to his faith and life, he could never ignore the pain and suffering that is ever a part of this world and our lives. We would do well to do the same. During this season of celebration, let us not neglect ourselves and our friends and family who happen to be grieving instead of celebrating this season. Only through journeying together can we get to the deeper meaning of this season, which is not happiness or celebration, but hope, faith, and love, three gifts that only come through sharing our lives in genuine community with one another. So this season, let us commit ourselves to visiting or calling those in our community who may be lonely or grieving. Let us commit ourselves to reaching out for love and community if we are grieving or lonely. Then we will experience Emmanuel, God with us, as we embody and share God’s love, grace, and compassion with one another.

Rev. Max Blalock, Campus Minister at The Wesley Foundation, the United Methodist Campus Ministry at The College of William and Mary

email: mwblalock@wm.edu
phone: 757-229-6832

GIVING & RECEIVING

2011-11-15T23:42:00.004-05:00

by Rev. Camper Mundy, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

Christmas is a wonderful time of year! It’s a season marked by giving and receiving.

Ultimately we celebrate God giving Himself to us in the Person of Jesus, and we receive that Gift through faith. And as we receive “the Gift” (capital “G”), we are enabled by Him to give of ourselves through Him.

But do you ever feel like you’ve got nothing left to give? (Some people call that day December 26!) Seriously, though, do you ever feel overwhelmed with life? Or inadequate for the task at hand… Or discouraged and frustrated… Or broken and exhausted… Or like you’re running on empty?

The disciples of Jesus know what that’s like. And we see that clearly in a famous story where Jesus takes what little the disciples have and multiplies it to provide abundantly for them and through them. It’s the story of the miracle known as “The Feeding of the Five Thousand” – the only miracle mentioned in all four of the Gospels. One telling of the story is found in the sixth chapter of Mark’s Gospel. (You might consider reading Mark 6:30-44 to refresh your memory.)

As the story unfolds, it becomes late in the day. The disciples’ much-needed retreat with Jesus has already been interrupted. And now it seems that Jesus’ care and teaching of a large crowd (the interrupters!) is going long. The disciples are becoming more and more irritated. They’re hungry (see v. 31), and they only think practically and selfishly.

So what do they do? They tell Jesus what to do! They tell the God of the universe how to run His show: “Jesus, send the people away to buy something to eat” (v. 36).

And how does Jesus respond? He says to the disciples: “You give them something to eat” (v. 37). You can hear them now: “What?! That would take eight months of a person’s wages” (v. 37). In other words, if a person makes $75,000 a year, it would take $50,000 to buy everyone something to eat!

Jesus does not address the disciples’ objection. He simply asks how much bread they have. They survey the huge crowd and come back with the answer – only five loaves and two fish. Pessimism, frustration, and unbelief are intensifying.

Yet these are Hebrew people, and they miss something huge that any Jew in that day should have seen… God’s faithfulness to provide for His people throughout history. And particularly for their hunger! There was God’s provision of manna when Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years. But even more akin to their present situation was God’s provision of food through Elisha, feeding a hundred hungry men with only twenty loaves of bread. (See 2 Kings 4:42-44.)

God’s faithfulness to provide abundantly is their story! It’s their heritage!

Have they forgotten Who they are with? Have they lost sight of God’s ability to feed His people? Have they lost sight of God’s perfect goodness, never-ending faithfulness, and abundant provision? Have they settled to live within confines of human understanding, rather than find hope in the limitlessness of Almighty God?

Like the disciples, we often find it difficult to trust Jesus,

especially when we’re pressed to give what we don’t have to give.

But giving always begins with receiving!

Okay, back to the story… In verses 39-44, we see that Jesus involves the reluctant, irritated disciples in preparing the people for a meal, pushing the limits of the disciples’ patience and faith when they most need to trust Him.

Jesus takes what little the disciples have, offers thanks to the Father, breaks the bread, and gives the food to the disciples to distribute to the people.

“They all ate and were satisfied” (v. 42), and there were basketfuls of leftovers (v. 43). Everyone ate abundantly, and they ended the day with more than they had started.

Ours is a God of abundant goodness and provision!

“You give them something to eat” (v. 37). Did they? Yes! Jesus enabled the disciples to give by taking what little they had and multiplying it. Apart from Jesus, they could do nothing.

Jesus could have simply made bread appear in the peoples’ hands. But He chose to give the ministry to the disciples. Jesus gives. The disciples receive and are then able to give.

But let’s not miss the key to giving and receiving. In verse 41, we read that Jesus “gave [the bread and fish] to the disciples to set before the people.” Did Jesus give each disciple a “bottomless-pit” basket that never ran out of bread? Well, that’s one interpretation, and the one most often portrayed in film or television.

But in the original language (and your version of the Bible might pick this up), the verb “gave” is in a form that expresses a continuous action. It reads more literally that Jesus “kept giving” the bread and fish to the disciples to give to the people. In other words, it’s a continual filling. The disciples’ baskets became empty, and they had to return to Jesus. They had to stay connected to, in concert with, relating to Jesus. The disciples had to continually receive in order to continually give.

Like the disciples, we must receive before we’re able give.

We must stay connected to the Source of real life.
We must continually go to Jesus that He might continually fill our baskets!

Honestly, so often my life preference is to be self-sufficient. My preference is to only have to go to Jesus once, have Him give me the “bottomless-pit” basket that doesn’t need continual filling, and then get on with it. Provide for me now, so that I won’t need You later. Give me all I need now, so that I won’t have to trust You with my struggles – whether financial, medical, relational, vocational, or something else. I want to be independent rather than having to continually depend on Jesus.

Once I was sharing this tension with a friend of mine. He quoted a missionary saying: “You must do what you cannot do with what you do not have for the rest of your life… But Jesus will do what He can do with what He does have through you for the rest of your life.” Wow!

Ultimately, God provides abundantly for us through Jesus. The One who was born in Bethlehem (a name meaning “House of Bread”). The One who is the true “Bread of Life” for those who trust in Him.

Just as Jesus provided for the people through the breaking of bread, He has provided for us through the breaking of His body on the Cross. That our sins might be forgiven. That we might be reconciled to God. That we might know real life and true joy in relationship with Him.

And Jesus invites us to participate in His redemptive work… to give of ourselves for others. But first (and continually) we must receive from Him. So this Christmas season, let’s receive the Gift of Jesus, and then give through Him to the world around us.

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Rev. Camper Mundy and his wife Heather moved to Williamsburg in September 2007 to join the ministry and mission of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. Previously, they spent six years in Vancouver, Canada where Camper served as a pastor at Grace Vancouver Church (PCA) after receiving his M.Div. from Regent College in Vancouver. Before that, they were in Chapel Hill, NC for six years where Camper served as a campus minister with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Camper and Heather were married in 1996 and have three children. They met as undergrads at Wake Forest University.

Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

1677 Jamestown Road

Williamsburg, VA 23185

(757) 220-0147

www.gracecovpca.org

Christmas Eve:

Candlelight Service, 5:00 pm

(Childcare provided)

Christmas Morning:

Worship Service, 10:00 am

Welcome to The Gift 2010

2010-12-20T16:31:00.003-05:00

We are really excited about this project...so excited we contacted over 70 local religious leaders to ask them if they would like to participate. We simply asked if they would like to write an article, submit a lecture, or story on any topic relating to the Holiday Season. We have had an overwhelmingly positive response. We call this page "The Gift" because these articles were given to us to share with you. Other than spell check these articles have not had their content edited by us we have simply posted them preserving each writer's message as they meant it to be read. We want to provide to the community a true representation of the diversity of topics and thoughts available at our local houses of worship during this Holiday Season. This patchwork of stories, lectures and articles will hopefully create a comforting quilt where everyone can find some peace this Holiday Season. Enjoy!

Posted Articles

"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Pastor Bob Melone, Stone House Presbyterian Church

click here

"We Would Have Done Things Differently" by Rev. Allie Rosner - Williamsburg United Methodist

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"Making it Through the Holidays!" - Minister Bill Butterfield - Williamsburg Church of Christ

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"The Gift of Christmas" - Rev. Dr. Reginald F. Davis - First Baptist Church

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"The Big Gift" - Pastor Harmon - King of Glory

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What's the Problem with Christmas - Pastor Eric Scholten - Living Proof Baptist

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“By Faith Abraham Obeyed” - Deacon Nicholas Sotack - Byzantine Catholic Church

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"We All Wait During the Advent Season" - Rev. Msgr. Michael D. McCarron - St. Bede

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"Conceive the Impossible: Real Christmas Hope in the Midst of Real Life" - Rev. Camper Mundy, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

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"What's the Story with Christmas" - Pastor Jon Ritner - Williamsburg Community Chapel

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"The Meaning of Christmas for Unitarian Universalists" - Margaret Sequeira, Director - Williamsburg Unitarian Universalist

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"Cut the Tags" - Christoph Fehrenbach, Associate Pastor at Christian Life Center

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"The Christmas I Don't Ever Want to Forget" - Eric Ickes, Pastor at Waller Mill Bible Church

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The Christmas I Don't Ever Want to Forget

2010-12-20T16:29:00.001-05:00

by Eric Ickes, Pastor - Waller Mill Bible Church

What could make this Christmas unforgettable for you? When asked that question, many people may first try to think of a special gift that would make all the difference. And there may be a few gifts that are so significant and unique that they could make a Christmas unforgettable. For instance, for a young lady in love, it might be a Christmas Eve proposal and the receiving of her engagement ring. For a military family, it might be the surprise of the deployed soldier making it home just in time for Christmas dinner. For some families, it might be taking a special "once-in-a-lifetime" trip of sight-seeing in Europe, snorkeling in Hawaii, or snow skiing in Vail, Colorado. And certainly, the gift of new life in the case of a baby's birth, or the gift of rescued life, in the case of a loved one who had just been spared from death, are significant enough to make a Christmas holiday unforgettable.

But let's face the truth. Most gifts that you have given, and most that you have ever received have been forgotten. In fact, by the end of January, most children in our community will probably not be able to perfectly recount every gift they will have received on Christmas day. So by the time many families finally pay off their credit card debts from their holiday shopping, the toys they purchased have been broken, lost, or stuffed in a closet, and some of the clothing may actually be already outgrown. As the years roll on, this Christmas, like so many others, will simply be forgotten, along with all of its gifts.

Oh, sure, if I try to think really hard, I can remember a few gifts from my childhood, but only because in my mind I have a fuzzy picture of a photograph of my brothers and I kneeling in front of the Christmas tree with all of our "loot." In one such picture, my older brother and I were wearing our bowling jerseys, and in front of us sat our new bowling balls, and all of the other presents. But I can't even remember the color of the bowling balls, much less any of the other presents. In fact, I don't remember anything else about that entire Christmas season. And ironically so, by the picture in my mind, that was probably the biggest load of presents my brothers and I ever received. Prosperity is usually not the best teacher, nor does it always make lasting memories.

But I have experienced a Christmas that for the past 30+ years has been unforgettable, and I hope that it always stays that way. And its memories have nothing to do with prosperity. Actually, they are because of just the opposite. I was five years-old when my younger brother was born, in the midst of a lean time for our blue-collar family. Those lean years stretched on for a number of years more, even though both of my parents worked long and hard. They did everything they could to provide – we raised a large garden, we ate wild game and fish that we were fortunate enough to harvest, and my mother even had an in-home business in addition to her full-time job. As an elementary school-aged boy, I could not do much to help, except for helping with our garden and catching the occasional fish. Unfortunately, my trips to the river resulted in catching more eels (yuk!) than fish. But together we trudged along.

Then came that one special, unforgettable Christmas. My baby brother had grown into a little boy, but our family's finances had apparently not grown much at all. My dear parents never wanted their three boys to feel the pressure and stress of their lean bank account. So apart from living simply and frugally, the only reminders came when either we asked for something they could not afford, or when we compared our clothing or toys with what our neighbors or classmates had. But as that unforgettable Christmas drew near, I remember my mother coming to me and to my older brother. She began to apologetically explain how they could not afford to buy us any presents that year, and that she hoped that we would understand how much they loved us, despite the circumstances. And then she asked us if it would be OK with us if they would buy one present for our younger brother, so that he would have at least one package to open on Christmas day. And we all agreed that we wouldn't want him to go without a present. As the days counted down to Christmas, I tried to avoid the conversations with classmates about what we thought we would get for Christmas. The few times I dared to mention my "misfortune," I was met with confusion and disbelief, and perhaps some sense of childlike pity. That "part" of Christmas wasn't going to happen for me. But something else was beginning to happen.

My family's circumstances were actually beginning to be used of God to teach me some important lessons. I had already learned about God's sacrificial love for me, which He proved by sending His Son, Jesus Christ to die for the punishment of my sins. And by faith, I had already received the greatest gift of all – eternal salvation. And I knew in my head that the true significance of Christmas had nothing to do with presents that could be purchased at the mall. But during that special Christmas season, those truths were finally taking center stage for me, and were not going to be drowned-out by a chorus of ripping wrapping paper. My thoughts also began to be more focused on my younger brother, and the sacrifice that our whole family was making just so that he could have one present to open. Unfortunately, I think that I was also becoming a bit proud of myself, and of my "sacrifice."

On the Sunday before Christmas, I did receive two gifts from our church – one was an orange, and the other was a small box of candy that was shaped like a church, complete with "stained glass" windows and a fold-up steeple. I did not eat them that day, but instead, placed them on or under our tree until Christmas day (my older brother probably ate his, and no doubt, asked me for some of mine!). On Christmas morning, as I was enjoying some of my candy, I watched my tiny younger brother tear open his present, which was a toy firetruck, complete with a moveable ladder and plenty of annoying sounds to boot. He was happy, God was teaching me how to be content, and I had learned that joy can come from denying one's self in order to be a blessing to someone else. And above all, the true significance of Christ's birth and self-sacrifice were not overshadowed by a mound of twisted ribbons and empty boxes.

I pray that you will have a Merry Christmas, and that no matter your circumstances – whether they be lean or prosperous – that you will understand the true significance of this Christmas season. And may His presence in your life make this an unforgettable one for you!

Pastor Eric Ickes grew up in west-central Maryland, graduate of Boonsboro High School, Washington Bible College (B.A. Counseling, Certificate in Bible), and Central Baptist Theological Seminary,VaBeach (Masters of Divinity) He has been married 18 years to wife (Jalyn) and they have three children. He has served as the pastor of what is now Waller Mill Bible Church for 5 1/2 years. [more info can be found on our website, on the "Pastor's Page"]

Waller Mill Bible Church

100 Carrs Hill Road

Williamsburg, VA 23185

Services:
Sundays -- 9:30 AM
Sunday School: 10:30 AM
Worship: Wednesdays -- 7:00 PM Family Bible Study and Prayer

website: http://www.wallermillbiblechurch.org/

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Cut the Tags

2010-12-18T22:50:00.001-05:00

by Christoph Fehrenbach, Associate Pastor at Christian Life Center

So we got a ton of stuff at Christmas.

Our boys got a ton of stuff at Christmas, rather, and we got sufficiently blessed, but we did get quite a bit of clothing. And with clothing, you want to make sure it fits right: is what you wanted, and accomplishes what we all want our clothing to accomplish: help us look good.

We want to make sure the clothes are right for us. I’m not sure how you all check that, but we have a pretty extensive process:

Hold them out in front of us – inspecting them extensively;
1. We hold them up to our body;
2. We try them on, walk around a little bit;
3. We put them in our closet;
4. We take them out and try them on again.

We do a lot, but we don’t cut the tags off until we’re absolutely sure that they fit, they accomplish what we want them to accomplish. Because leaving the tags on means that we don’t really own them – and more to the point – we can return them.

How often do we do that with God?

How often do we look at Him from afar and wonder if He can fulfill that place or do that thing – inspecting Him in a way? How often do we hold Him up to a situation – superimposing Him to see if He is what we need? How often do we try trusting Him – to see if He is going to come through? How often do we kind of put Him aside just to take Him out again and see if He works?

Cut the tags.

Jesus fits every situation of your life and mine.

He is Wonderful. The Christmas-every-day verse of Isaiah 9:6 declares Him to be Wonderful. It’s a Hebrew word for wonderful,marvelous, extraordinary – as in hard to understand or comprehend.
I want to challenge you today, to cut any tags you may have on God – like you’re going to return Him, try something else, or do it on your own. He is exactly what you want, makes you look better than you or anything else ever will, and He is able to accomplish anything you need (see entire Bible as a reference).
Know that today, you are meant to influence others and their lives toward good, inspire them to know Christ, and be an agent in transforming them from what they are to whom they’re meant to be.

It only gets better.
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Christian Life Center
4451 Longhill Road
Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
http://www.williamsburgclc.com/

Service Schedule
Sunday Service: 10:00 AM
Kingdom Kids (Children's Program): Sundays, 11:00 AM
Pre-Service Prayers: Sundays, 9 AM

Generation Church: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM
Royal Rangers/Missionettes: Wednesdays, 7:00 PM

Centro de Vida Cristiana (Latino Service): Sundays, 1:30 PM & Tuesdays, 7:30 PM

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The Meaning of Christmas for Unitarian Universalists

2010-12-15T23:18:00.002-05:00

by Margaret M. Sequeira, Director, Lifespan Faith Development
Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists

Of course I have to begin with the caveat that I cannot speak for all Unitarian Universalists. One of the primary values of our free faith tradition is the freedom and responsibility to each search for truth and meaning on our own. We come together in community to do so with other seekers, to test our ideas and know that we are not alone. Not all Unitarian Universalists celebrate Christmas or some may celebrate Christmas in addition to Hanukkah and Winter Solstice.

For this piece however I want to focus on how Unitarian Universalists understand the story of the birth of Jesus. The moral teachings of Jesus are one of the six sources that Unitarian Universalists draw upon for the search for truth and meaning. Unitarians early on stressed the importance of Jesus’ moral teachings and his life as an example of how each of us should live. Universalists stressed the universal love of God through Jesus – his life as an example of God’s deep love for humanity.

For Unitarian Universalists, Jesus’ humanity and his life serves as an example of the goodness of humanity and the potential each of us possess to make this world a more just, loving and peaceful place for everyone. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), in addition to a being a great speaker and writer, was a Unitarian minister. He said this about Jesus in his famed Divinity School Address: “Jesus Christ belonged to the true race of prophets. He saw with open eye the mystery of the soul. Drawn by its severe harmony, ravished with its beauty, he lived in it, and had his being there. Alone in all history, he estimated the greatness of man. One man was true to what is in you and me. He saw that God incarnates himself in man, and evermore goes forth anew to take possession of his world.”

So for Unitarian Universalists, Jesus serves as an example of the divine indwelling in all of humanity – that each person is made in the image and likeness of God. Sophia Lyon Fahs (1876-1978), Unitarian Universalist minister and religious educator tells us that each night that a child is born is a holy night, for each child is a manifestation of the holy in the world. She wrote “Each night a child is born is a holy night: A time for singing, A time for wondering, A time for worshipping, Each night a child is born is a holy night.” So on Christmas as we honor the birth of one child, Jesus, we honor all the children born, each person born. Christmas reminds us that each of us has the capacity “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

This Christmas, may we honor the miracle of each child born!

Blessed Be!

Margaret Sequeira, MTS, serves as the Director of Lifespan Faith Development for the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists. In that role, she oversees all the education programs for children, youth and adults as well as serving as the Unitarian Universalist Campus Minister at the College of William and Mary. She has lived in Williamsburg since 2008 with her partner, Donna and their eleven year old daughter.

Worship Schedule at Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists for Christmas 2010
www.wuu.org

Family Christmas Eve service, 5:00 pm

We will have an all-ages service centered on a brief contemporary mummers play, “The Sun in the Greenwood,” by John and Caitlin Matthews, adapted by David Doersch and Liz Wiley. In this play, we find Santa Claus, the Green Man, Mother Carey, Santa Lucia, the Mabon—all the great Pagan and Christian characters, celebrating the rich and glorious medley that is Midwinter.

Candlelight Christmas Eve service, 9 pm—

Led by the Rev. Jennifer Ryu and music with the WUU Adult Choir, directed by Dr. Jamie Bartlett

Sunday Dec. 26 – one service at 11:15 am

“A Celebration of Kwanza” led by Margaret Sequeira, MTS, Director, Lifespan Faith Development

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What’s the Story with Christmas?

2010-12-11T21:12:00.002-05:00

By Pastor Jon Ritner

Williamsburg Community Chapel

Each year as December rolls around, our culture seems to dust off the bookshelves and pull down our two favorite holiday stories. They are both tales of joy and happiness; peace and goodwill; gifts and miracles. But that is where the similarities of these two stories end. For the two heroes of the American Christmas, Santa Claus and Baby Jesus represent two very different messages. One story is about a jolly fat man who rewards good behavior and the other is about a little baby boy who came to be a savior.

Talking about Santa and religion is tricky. So, before I get accused of being a Scrooge, let me clarify, that I am not against Santa. We can agree to disagree about the tradition of Santa Claus. Some families connect Santa to the historic Christian Saint Nicolas and even have statues of Santa kneeling down to baby Jesus. Others want to remind me that Santa rearranged spells Satan, who happens to be another character all dressed in red. Others ignore any religious notions at all and just enjoy the fun of Santa wish lists and leaving out milk and cookies. But whatever your tradition, we can all agree that the legend of the American, rosy cheeked, Coca-Cola drinking Santa is indisputable:

You better watch out, You better not cry, Better not pout, I'm telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town

He's making a list, And checking it twice; Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice, Santa Claus is coming to town

He sees you when you're sleeping, He knows when you're awake, He knows if you've been bad or good, So be good for goodness sake!

The moral of the Santa story is simple. “If you stop crying, stop pouting, be good, and go to bed, you will get a treat in the morning.” Forget Christmas Eve, that sounds like the promise I make to my kids every night! I am convinced that the Santa myth was created by two Scandinavian parents who were struggling with some seriously rebellious kids. Nothing motivates kids in December like the threat of Santa passing over their house on Christmas. The story of Christmas that gets the most publicity each year is this; Santa is coming and that is good news for GOOD people.

But the other Christmas narrative tells a very different story. Jesus has come and that is good news for ALL people. When the angel appeared in the sky to declare the birth of Jesus to some shepherds, he said, “Behold, I bring good news for all people. Today…a savior has been born for you.” (Luke 2:10-11) The angel did not promise good news merely for good people, or for religious people, for church people, for honest people, or even for above average people…he came from God to deliver good news for ALL people.

The reason is simple, all people are alike when it comes to our spiritual condition; we are all in need of a savior. No matter how good we have been in life, our goodness does not compare to the perfect standard set by the Holy God who fashioned us. We all know that we are good in comparison to some other people, but in comparison to the Creator of the Universe, we are all inadequate. In fact, that little baby in a manger would grow up to one day tell a crowd of people, “No one is good but God alone.” (Mark 10:18) In fact, the message of Jesus’ life would be represented by his death. God loves all people so much that he would rescue us from our imperfection by sending his perfect Son to die in our place. The only way to be in the presence of a perfect God in heaven is to be perfected by His free gift.

As I listen to people share their spiritual beliefs, I find many that are living their life as if God revealed himself at Christmas in the character of Santa Claus rather than in the person of Jesus Christ. Some seem to be living their life trying to be good so that they will be rewarded with eternal gifts when they die. But that story is only true if Santa Claus is seated on the throne of Heaven. The significance of Christmas is not to be good in order to receive free gifts. It is rather to receive the free gift from the only one who is good, God himself.

As you read and celebrate the traditions surrounding both stories this Christmas season, I hope the true Message of Christmas, Jesus Christ, will become more than just a story. In fact, I hope He becomes your Savior. Merry Christmas!

Williamsburg Community Chapel, 3899 John Tyler Highway

www.wcchapel.org 757-229-7152

Christmas Eve Schedule:

Family Services 4:30 & 6:30 PM

Candlelight Service: 11 PM

Join us January 9^th as we being our new series,

A New Year… A New You

Weekly Sunday Services begin at 9 & 11 AM with a full program for students, children and secure nursery.

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Conceive the Impossible: Real Christmas Hope in the Midst of Real Life

2010-12-11T10:17:00.001-05:00

by Rev. Camper Mundy, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

A friend down in North Carolina grew up the oldest of three boys. Like most kids, they all looked forward to Christmas morning in eager expectation to discover what Santa had brought them. And of course they always hoped that they were on the “nice” list, not the “naughty” one. Some years they were more anxious than others that, rather than presents under the tree, they would find a stocking full of switches and ashes or lumps of coal. One particular Christmas, the three boys woke up much earlier than usual and rushed downstairs. To their horror, there was nothing under their Christmas tree. (Let’s just say that Santa had overslept!) You can imagine the sick feeling those little boys had in their hearts early that morning.

Nothing. Nothing at all. What’s it like when there’s nothing under the Christmas tree? What’s it like when the Christmas tree is barren?

Of the many people who play a part in the Christmas Story that we find in the Bible, Mary’s cousin Elizabeth knows what it’s like when there’s nothing under the Christmas tree, when the tree is barren. We find her story in the first chapter of Luke’s Gospel. (You might consider reading vv. 5-45 to refresh your memory.)

What do we know about Elizabeth? Well, she’s married to Zechariah. She’s from the priestly lineage of Aaron (Israel’s first high priest). Elizabeth is a godly woman, and her husband is a godly man. She is also childless and beyond child-bearing years.

In fact, it’s interesting to note that the most emphasized characteristic of Elizabeth is that she is “barren” – infertile, unable to conceive children. In the span of just a handful of verses, there are eight references to Elizabeth’s barrenness.

In the First Century, the inability to bear children had profound economic and social implications. Economically, parents relied on children for financial support when they got old. Socially, childlessness was seen as a disgrace. In that day, fertility was typically attributed to divine blessing, while infertility was considered a sign of divine disapproval. Though Luke makes clear that her barrenness was not due to divine disfavor, Elizabeth refers to her barrenness as “my disgrace among the people” (v. 25).

And of course there’s the heartache. The personal disappointment of not being able to have a child. My wife Heather and I understand this particular heartache. We were married nearly 11 years before our first child was born. For us, there were several years of wondering and waiting. A long, painful season of barrenness marked by disappointment month after month, year after year.

But while for us it was years, for Elizabeth and Zechariah it was decades. Decades of personal heartache. Decades of economic uncertainty. Decades of social awkwardness.

What about you? Truth be told, we all experience barrenness of some kind. What are the difficult, disappointing, discouraging places for you? What are the places of loss, the barren places causing you pain and suffering? In other words…

What presents aren’t under your Christmas tree?

Barrenness is real.

Barrenness is painful.

But barrenness is not the end of the Story!

In the midst of the very real places of pain and suffering in our lives, we are confronted with the question: “Will I trust God?”

Elizabeth is confronted with that question. And despite her pain and suffering, she is able to trust Him. Why? Because she knows that barrenness is not the end of the Story (even before she knows that she will conceive and give birth to a son).

Elizabeth knows that the Suffering Servant (God’s Savior) of Isaiah 53 will Himself ultimately bring us everlasting peace and healing. And that He will do so “by His wounds.” She knows that the Suffering Servant will take our sin and brokenness upon Himself. She knows that He will embrace a barrenness far greater than any we could ever imagine so that by faith in Him we won’t have to be barren forever. Elizabeth knows that the Suffering Servant will usher in salvation for all who believe!

And as Luke’s account unfolds, we learn that both Elizabeth and her teenage cousin Mary have conceived according to God’s promise. Both have conceived the impossible. When Mary pays Elizabeth a visit (see vv. 39-45), Elizabeth exclaims: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear… Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her!” And Elizabeth learns that the name of Mary’s child, the Savior, is Jesus.

In the final book of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King, the people are awaiting the King’s return, the King who will “make all things right”… But before His return, there’s a long season of wondering and waiting… of barrenness. During this time, the hobbits Sam and Frodo are on a seemingly impossible mission, and they’re losing hope.

While taking a break on their long, dark journey, Frodo is napping, and this is the narrator’s commentary on Sam: “There, peeping among the cloud-wrack, above a dark tower, high up in the mountains, Sam saw a white star twinkle for a while. The beauty of it smote his heart, as he looked up out of the [barren] forsaken land, and hope returned to him. For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing; there was light and high beauty forever beyond its reach.”

This Christmas, what will you fix your eyes on? The presents under the Christmas tree? The presents that aren’t there? Rather than looking under the tree, look to the star at the top of it, the star that once stood over the manger and now still points us to Him… the One who is coming back to make all things right.

This Advent Season, let’s not only celebrate the first coming of Christ, but let’s also anticipate His return, His second Advent, when He will renew all things… when all sad things will come untrue.

That’s real Christmas hope in the midst of real life.

Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church

1677 Jamestown Road

Williamsburg, VA 23185

(757) 220-0147

www.gracecovpca.org

Christmas Eve:

Candlelight Service, 5:00 pm

(Childcare provided)

Sunday Mornings:

Worship Services, 8:30 & 11:00

Education Hour, 10:00

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We All Wait During the Advent Season

2010-12-10T23:53:00.068-05:00

By Monsignor Michael McCarron,

St. Bede Catholic Church

Advent, that purple draped season,

lost somewhere in the middle of the

sales at the mall and the “no overt

religious display” climate of the

politically correct, is in full swing. (Had you noticed?)

For liturgical Christian churches, it is, at best, the proximate pre-

paration for Christmas. For most folks, it is a yawn. Unfortunately,

it is also an essential part of the Christian faith, and human spirit.

Advent is a season that focuses on waiting. Waiting for the celebration

of Christmas. Waiting for the return of Jesus in glory to bring history

to a close. Waiting for the promise of life without death or dying,

crying out or pain, to be at last manifest in the right now, not simply

in the “later” of human history.

However, waiting is not a comfortable place for most in our society

to be. We spend our lives and energies, even our money, trying to

bring things to a close, to “hurry things up”. We wait in lines at the

stores and hate it. We wait in traffic and loathe it. We are not people

who wait well, and so we wear Advent poorly.

I would submit that, in fact, this is a season that is core to all of us.

All of us wait for something, for someone. We await the perfect

relationship, the proper amount of attention from our spouse, the

right career opportunity, the house on the river. Children wait to

grow up to be understood by adults. Adults wait to be respected

by the young.

Every person who is reading these words is waiting for something

or someone, and what you are waiting for is making you who you

are and who you shall be.

Advent simply announces this truth. All people are waiting and

they are being formed by that fact. Advent is the season that

simply asks the question, “Who is your waiting for?” So much of

our waiting is caught up in things that simply either are not all

that important, or simply do not last.

As the result, the quality of life that flows from such anticipation

is weak at best. What would come of life if we started waiting,

really waiting for the things that matter. Christians say that since

the time of the first coming of Christ in history some 2001 years ago,

we are made a royal people, princes and princesses all. (That’s the

reason for all the royal purple by the way.)

Advent is the time to make sure we remember that and renew our

commitment to live as such. It is not always easy to remember that

God views us all as royalty. Advent calls us to remember the dignity

that humanity is given when God becomes human.

And so, we wait well when we long for peace enough to offer forgive-

ness to those who do not deserve it. We wait properly when we yearn

for an end to human suffering enough to alleviate it. We wait for the

coming of Christ at history’s end by waiting for what is essential, and

doing so with hope.

Christians long to “Adventize” the world. We are all waiting for

something or someone. What it is will determine who we are, and

what our world will become. For those anticipating Jesus, the world

is fraught with wonder, and Advent is filled with possibility.

Monsignor Michael McCarron is pastor or Saint Bede Catholic Church in

Williamsburg. He can be reached by email at mmdm@bedeva.org

St. Bede's Christmas & New Year’s Mass Schedule - 2010

Friday, December 24

4:00pm - Saint Bede Catholic Church

4:30pm - Catholic Campus Ministry Chapel

4:30pm - Parish Center (behind Chapel)

7:00pm - Saint Bede Catholic Church

11:00pm - Saint Bede Catholic Church

Saturday - December 25

8:00am - Saint Bede Catholic Church

10:30am - Saint Bede Catholic Church

Sunday, December 26

7:15am - Saint Bede Catholic Church

9:00am - Saint Bede Catholic Church

11:00am - Saint Bede Catholic Church

5:00pm - Saint Bede Catholic Church

Friday, December 31

5:30pm - Saint Bede Catholic Church

Saturday, January 1

10:00am - Saint Bede Catholic Church

St. Bede Catholic Church
3686 Ironbound Road,
Williamsburg, VA 23188, (757) 229-3631
http://www.bedeva.org/

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“By Faith Abraham Obeyed”

2010-12-10T15:55:00.000-05:00

“By Faith Abraham Obeyed”

By Deacon Nicholas J. Sotack

Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church

114 Palace Lane

Williamsburg, VA 23185

The Christmas season fast approaches. It loses its name by an all-inclusive term “The Holidays”. Holidays are festive and full of celebration. But we must not lose the meaning of Christmas by eliminating it from our celebration. We respect other faiths but celebrate the nativity of Jesus Christ. So let me begin by saying Merry Christmas!

Faith is real but is non-rational. It cannot be placed in a bottle and stored. It exists in the hearts of believers and cannot be taken away, although it can be given away. How sad it is to hear a person say, “I have given up on my faith.” Stress and disappointment in life is commonly blamed but is not the culprit. Those who have strength through faith need to share it with those who need uplifting. This goes beyond going to one’s church and buying gifts as signs of love and sharing. Sharing faith in the blessed event of Christmas means so much more in the long run.

Jews, Christians, and Muslims revere Abraham as a spiritual father. He is identified as the epitome of faith in all three monotheistic religions. This is very confusing for many. Yet it can be a starting point for unity. Let us agree that Abraham’s faith goes beyond human reasoning. I must use the words of an early father of the Church, St. John Chrysostom to help me. He explains how God uses the faith of an individual to show His divine work through men. At one point God directs Abraham away from his kinsfolk and homeland to a new land. “I will make you a great nation and bless you” (Gen 12:2). Rational persons wonder why he needs to leave his home and kinsfolk if he is to be blessed as a great nation. It appears as though God asks what goes against the promise. Again God says to Abraham, “In Isaac shall your seed be called” (Gen 21:12), and Abraham believed. Then God tells Abraham to offer Isaac as a holocaust.

We know that God placed Abraham to the test. But as God would He not already know what was in Abraham’s heart? Of course He did. Why did God tempt him? Abraham obeyed the command and showed the world that faith goes beyond our understanding. It involves trust. Isaac was spared and Abraham is commonly referred to this very day as “Father Abraham”. The Gospel of Matthew begins with the genealogy of Jesus Christ “the Son of David, the Son of Abraham”. (Mt 1:1)

Each of us needs to reflect on the enormous gift the world received upon the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Look to Father Abraham and thank him for showing the world what can happen when one man has such faith and places his faith in his Creator, when we begin to feel lonely, doubtful, or dejected. Those who are strong in faith need to share this Christmas gift with those who suffer from lonesome doubt. Christ is born! Glorify Him!

Ascension of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church is located on 114 Palace Lane, Williamsburg, VA 23185

Website: ascensionva.org

Liturgy Schedule

Sundays 11 a.m.

* Sunday Divine Liturgy is followed by coffee and refreshments

Christmas Eve 2010

11:00 PM Christmas Carols

11:30 PM Great Compline

12:00 Am Divine Liturgy for the Nativity of our Lord

Christmas Day 2010

11:00 AM Divine Liturgy for the Nativity of our Lord

HOLYDAYS

7 p.m.

Return to Top of "The Gift" 2010

What’s the Problem with Christmas?

2010-12-07T21:34:00.001-05:00

By Eric Scholten

Living Proof Baptist Church

What would you think if I told you that there was a huge problem with Christmas? Maybe your mind travels to long lines in the mall, traffic on the roads, increasing credit card bills, and equally increasing waistlines. What I would like to do in this article, though, is show you not one, but three massive problems with Christmas. To do so, I would like to turn your attention to the first chapter in the gospel of Matthew.

Before Jesus was born, Israel had a problem. The problem for God’s chosen people was caused by unfulfilled promises. Way back in Genesis 12:1-3, God came to Abram and made a promise to him. He told Abram that he would make him a great nation and that through him all the nations of the earth would be blessed. The significance of this promise cannot be understated in the history of God’s people. Because of this promise, all who would call themselves “Israel” would know that God had a special plan for them. He had chosen them and made them his very special instrument for spreading his blessings to the world.

As this nation was established and “grew up” so to speak, a young man was chosen by God to be their king. We read in 2 Samuel 7 that God made another promise of perpetual blessing to his people; this time through King David. God promised David that he would raise up one of his offspring to sit on his throne after him. This offspring would rule in righteousness and be as a son to God and God would be as a Father to him. God’s steadfast love would not depart from him, but rather he would be established forever.

The essence of this promise is found in 2 Samuel 7:16. “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.” This is the language of a forever king sitting on a forever throne. Again, this was a critical promise in the history of Israel as they looked for the day when a descendant of David would sit on his rightful throne and rule in righteousness.

The problem of Christmas is seen as we come to the end of 2 Chronicles, though. These would have been the last words in the Hebrew Bible as it was arranged with the historical books at the end (unlike our English versions which conclude with prophecies). In 2 Chronicles 36 we read of the conquest, deportation, and destruction of Judah, Jerusalem, and the temple. These were the darkest of days in the history of ancient Israel.

We know from our Bibles and from history that God brought Israel back to her home in Jerusalem after a period of 70 years in captivity. The glory of the temple and of Zion, however, never returned.

Place yourself in the shoes of a Jewish man or woman a few centuries later faithfully reading your Hebrew Bible. Hear the promises. Cling to the covenants. Hope in your God. Every time you read, though, you come to the end; to 2 Chronicles 36. You lift up your eyes from the page and wonder where the glory has gone. You see your foreign occupiers and wonder from where your deliverance will come. How will God keep his covenants to Abraham and David? Where is the promise? Where is the blessing? Where is the throne?

Now cast your eyes upon the first words of the New Testament; “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1).”

Here is God’s solution. Here is his promise. Here is the fulfillment of his covenant. This baby born in a manger would be God’s blessing to the nations as the descendant of Abraham. He would be the forever king on the forever throne as the descendant of David. He would return God’s glory to God’s people. The problem of Christmas for Israel found its solution in Jesus Christ.

That was not the only problem surrounding Christmas, though. There was another; this time for a young family. Mary and Joseph found themselves in a precarious situation as Christ was conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit. Matthew’s gospel fixes our attention on Joseph and his response to the problem at hand.

He knew that he had not been with Mary, for they were only betrothed at this point. Based on his desire to divorce her, we conclude that at first he must have thought Mary had been unfaithful to him. While he had every right, per the law, to publically shame and punish Mary, his character caused him to protect this young girl from the awful humiliation that could have been brought upon her. He decided to end the relationship quietly.

The beauty behind this problem is that the person of Christ saved his mother and the marriage of his earthly parents. While Joseph slept, an angel of the Lord came to him and revealed the identity and the origin of this little one growing in the womb. “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins (1:20, 21).”

We read that when Joseph awoke, he did as the angel said; he took Mary as his wife and Jesus became his son. A girl was saved. A marriage was preserved. A family was begun. The problem of Christmas for this young couple found its solution in Jesus Christ.

There is one more problem that we see here in Matthew 1. It is the problem that stares back at us every time we look in the mirror. It is the problem of us. Notice that in Matthew 1:21 the angel tells Joseph that he is to give this child the name, “Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

This little sentence is hugely significant for our lives. If the purpose of Jesus’ life was to save, then that means there are those who are in need of salvation. You and I would think it bizarre if a fireman broke down our front door, came storming up the stairs, and dragged us out of our house in the middle of the night if our lives were not in grave danger. Jesus came because there was a need. People needed to be saved. You may ask at this point, “Saved from what?”

The answer is on the page before us. Jesus came to save us from our sins. The entire biblical witness testifies to the fact that sin is anything in us that causes us to fail to honor and treasure God above all things. We see his beauty and power all around us, yet when we fail to honor him as God and instead worship his creation we become idolaters. He has all authority over this world and over our lives as our King, yet when we claim our own sovereignty in life we are guilty of treason. He is perfect in his nature and in the commands that flow from that nature, yet when we rebel against him we stand justly condemned.

No problem in life can compare to this problem. All of the difficulties we may face, the trials through which we walk, the hurt that so often accompanies life, all pale in comparison to the eternal realities of our sin. There is no way we can muster up enough merit to stand justified before God. He must do a work for us and in us. He must take the initiative on our behalf…and he has, in Christ.

Jesus came to solve the problem of our sin. He lived a perfectly righteous life before God and then died a death that we deserved. As he died for our sin he took the entirety of God’s wrath directed toward sin upon himself. Then God raised him from the dead in order to validate all that Christ ever said and did and in order to claim victory over sin and death. We are now called to repent of our sin and trust Christ alone for the salvation from our sins that we so desperately need. The problem of Christmas for us finds its solution in Jesus Christ.

You may have coasted into Christmas this year or, quite frankly, Christmas may have crashed into you. I would encourage you to take a moment right now to stop and think rightly about the great gift of Jesus Christ and, specifically, about the problems that both precipitated his coming and have been solved in his person. Jesus has come to solve all the problems of Christmas…even yours.

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” 1 Timothy 1:15

Eric Scholten Bio:

Eric Scholten describes himself as, “a fairly normal guy who loves his Lord, loves his family, and loves his church.” Eric has served God’s people at Living Proof Baptist Church as pastor since September 2009. Prior to that, he and his family served as church planters in Northern Africa and the Middle East. Eric has the great responsibility and joy of standing each week before the body of Christ in order to preach and teach God’s word.

Eric has been married to the love of his life, Dawn, for almost 11 years. Together, they have been blessed with four beautiful children: Leah, Hannah, Judah, and Micah.

Eric earned his Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, NC and his Bachelor of Arts degree from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.

Living Proof Baptist Church Holiday Schedule

Christmas Eve Candlelight Lord’s Supper Service: Dec 24, 6:00 pm

Sunday Morning Bible Study: 9:45 am

Sunday Morning Corporate Worship: 11:00 am

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THE BIG GIFT

2010-12-04T22:42:00.000-05:00

by Rev. Bill Harmon King of Glory Lutheran Church and School
www.kogva.org

Merry Christmas! I can remember as a child in Baltimore being so willing to go to bed early Christmas Eve! We would rush to our beds and close our eyes trying our hardest to sleep. Of course, the next day when the first glimmer of sun light hit the house, my sister and I were ready to see what the new day had brought.

We would tip-toe down the hall, quietly open our parents’ bedroom door and then, as loudly as possible, burst in and wake them up. After all, we didn’t want them to miss out on the day either.

Grudgingly but lovingly, my parents would wake up. My father would head down to see if any presents had come. It was only years later that I found out that he was also making coffee and letting the dog out. He would give the “ok” sign and my sister and I would run down the steps to see all the packages under the tree.

What you may or may not know is that every child has that “first glance.” How many packages are there? How many have my name on them? And of course, every one is looking for the BIG GIFT.

You know that gift that is larger than all the others; surrounded by all the supporting gifts. It usually was in the back and always given last. And no matter your age, everyone wants that BIG gift. Everyone in the family wants to see that the big gift has their name on it, have the big gift placed in front of them, rip off that paper and with great delight show that gift to all who are present.

This year we will once again celebrate the joy of faith and the wonder of Christmas. We mediate and consider the gifts of God. And as we do, we all know the BIG GIFT that we receive. For at Christmas we receive the biggest gift of all; the gift that surpasses all the others. The gift that is more lasting, more powerful, more fulfilling, more loving than any BIG GIFT hidden behind the tree-we receive the gift of Jesus.

At Christmas, the one true God, out of love and compassion, comes. And in His coming, by His birth in the manger, by God choosing to come to this earth as a tiny baby, the big gift gets even bigger as a wonderful plan of hope and life is begun.

Added to that joy is not only what the gift contains but also who it’s for. The power of Christmas is that the gift of Jesus, the gift of the promised Messiah, the gift of God in the flesh who comes to love and restore and forgive- the BIG GIFT of Jesus Christ is especially for you, no matter who you are.

It is for you who have faith, who long to be as close as you can to your Lord and God. It is for you who find joy in worship, value in Bible study, power in prayer and strength in a community focused on the love of God.

And it’s also for you who look at things quite differently: those of you who struggle with your faith, who are striving to make sense of it all. Sometimes you believe and sometime you don’t. Rejoice this season that the gift of Jesus is yours as He longs for you to know Him more, to take the time to discover the wonders of His love and be changed by His eternal promises for you.

And it doesn’t stop there, no matter your situation the gift is for you: you whose marriage is on shaky ground; you whose friends have turned away; You who feel alone in this world. The wonderful counselor, the mighty God, the Prince of Peace desires to be your friend, to hear your prayers, and to love you like no one else can.

The gift of Jesus is for you with cancer, you with MS, you with the sickness and pain, you with the prognosis that does not look good. The gift is for you who are haunted by depression and anxiety. The great physician, the great healer of the blind and the lame, the Savior of our souls, desires to fill you with the peace that goes beyond all understanding.

He is that higher power who will fill you with the courage and strength to make it each day. He is that higher power who assures you that you have a living hope in this world and an eternal future in the world to come.

The BIG GIFT is for you who are grieving tonight, you who are conjuring up every ounce of energy to be merry and celebrate without your loved one. The God who defeated death, the God who has risen from the grave, the God who prepares mansions in paradise for those who know Him: He desires to grant you comfort and peace and surround you with His presence.

The BIG GIFT is for you who are burdened with sin and wrong doing. It’s for you who have made that poor decision, selected the wrong choice again and again, you who are getting beat up everyday because of the mistakes you have made. Jesus your Lord desires to restore your life. He welcomes you to come to that manger; He encourages you to reflect upon His life; He gives you a personal invitation to the cross where He gives His life for the sins of the world and where He promises to lavish you with the power of His forgiveness.

This is the power of Christmas! The same God who chose to give up the powers of heaven to be born in a manger is the same God who would give up the powers of Heaven to die on a cross for you. The same Jesus who allows the confines of a manger to keep Him is the same Jesus who would endure the confines of a cross.

The same Jesus who is wrapped in swaddling clothes laying in a make shift crib is the same Jesus who would be wrapped in grave clothes laying in a cold tomb for you.

The same God and Lord whose life comes to light in a little town with shepherds and angels is the same God and Lord whose life comes to light as He rises from the dead. The same Jesus who comes on that silent night, that Holy Night is the same Jesus who comes even now and blesses all people. Now that is a BIG GIFT!

No matter who you are. No matter where you are in life. No matter what you have done. The BIG GIFT of Jesus and all that comes with Him, His love and power, and mercy and forgiveness and joy and life-that BIG GIFT has your name on it.

So take it. Take if freely. Open it up and let it fill your mind, your heart, your soul. Take the gift of God and live in the joy and happiness that only He could give you this Christmas.

Rev. Bill Harmon attended Concordia College, Bronxville New York where he completed the Pre-Seminary program and earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Judeo-Christian Heritage. Following his graduation from college, Pastor Harmon went on to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, where he graduated with a Masters of Divinity degree. He was ordained into the ministry on June 14, 1998.
Pastor Harmon previously served as Associate Pastor in Flat Rock, Michigan. Pastor then accepted the call to serve as Associate Pastor of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Garden City, New York. His duties as Associate Pastor included family ministry, youth, and children’s ministry. In 2002, Pastor Harmon was called to serve as the Lead Pastor at Resurrection.
Pastor has served as Circuit Counselor of the Nassau Circuit of the Atlantic District, Member of the Board of Directors of Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School and an adjunct religion teacher at the school. He has served as Chair of the Garden City Clergy Fellowship, Director and Board Member of the Garden City Community Council on Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention and Member of the Board of Directors of Lutheran Social Services of New York.
In 2008 Pastor Harmon accepted the call to serve the Lord at King of Glory, Williamsburg, Virginia. Pastor Harmon is blessed to be married to his wonderful wife and honored to be the father of their three children.

Events and Holiday Service Schedule at King Of Glory

4897 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188

THE LIVING NATIVITY

Bringing the Christmas Story to Life!

The Living Nativity, King of Glory’s gift to the community, is scheduled for Friday 17th & Saturday 18th of December. It is the time of year Christians reflect on the meaning and majesty of Christ’s birth.

In this Christmas season we look forward to worshipping together and praising the New Born King.

Friday, December 24^th – Christmas Eve

4:00 PM Family Service

6:00 PM Family Service

6:00 PM Lessons and Carols at New Kent

8:00 PM Candles and Carols

10:00 PM Candles and Carols.

All services will be services with Holy Communion.

Staffed Nursery Available

Saturday, December 25^th – Christmas Day:

The Nativity of Our Lord

10:00 AM Communion Worship Service

Self Serve Nursery Care

Sunday, December 26th-First Sunday in Christmas

All services will be a Christmas Hymn Sing

8:00 AM: Traditional Service

9:30 & 11:00 AM Family Services

No Sunday School

Friday, December 31st –

New Year’s Eve Communion Service

6:00 PM

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The Gift of Christmas

2010-12-04T12:04:00.000-05:00

By Pastor Reginald F. Davis. Ph.D., First Baptist Church

I watched a fairytale called "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." The story is an old one that is played every year during the Christmas season. Grinch who lives in the mountain with his pet dog is upset with the whole idea of Christmas. He does not like the joy, the peace, and happiness that fills the atmosphere below the mountain. The Grinch does not like the unity of the community. He does not like the songs, the decorations, nor the expectation of Christmas. So, the Grinch decides to invade this peaceful and joyful community and steal Christmas. He steals all the lights, the stockings, the ornaments, the presents, the food, and all the things of Christmas hoping that the mood of the community would be replaced with sadness and melancholy.

Even though the Grinch had taken everything he thought would destroy the joy of Christmas, to his surprise Christmas came anyhow. The joy, peace, and happiness, and togetherness the Grinch tried to destroy was to no avail. Christmas came anyhow. The Grinch said, "It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags." Then, he thought of something he had not thought before. “What if Christmas doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?”

When I think about this fairy tale, the Grinch reminds me of Satan, the devil who invaded our habitation and tricked Adam and Eve. The devil could not stand human relationship with God and the peace, joy, and fulfillment it produced in humans. Like the Grinch, the devil could not wait to break up this joyous and peaceful relationship with God. So, the devil decided to trick us and steal the fruits of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control and replace it with adultery, fornication, uncleanness, debauchery, idolatry, hatred, discord, jealousy, strife, seditions, heresies, envy, murder, and drunkenness, which are actions of the flesh so that human relations would forever be torn and misery will have no end. Satan, the devil always works to be our accuser and divider. We must remember that he comes to kill, steal, and destroy. What he did to separate us from God and one another did not ultimately work because God decided to give us a gift that would repair, rekindle, and restore our lost relationship with God.

Through the faith of our forefathers and mothers, God sent us a gift to heal the land and give back to us what that old devilish Grinch had stolen from us. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Christ is God’s gift to humanity. God so loved the world, the black world, the white world , the brown world, the red world, the Catholic, the Protestant, the Jews and the Gentile, the Baptist, the Methodist, the Pentecostal, the rich, the poor, the big shot, and the no shot. Christ is God’s gift to all of humanity. “If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent an economist. But, since our greatest need was forgiveness, God Sent Us a Savior.” This is the gift of Christmas, Jesus Christ who came to reconcile us back to God.

Christ did not come to earth in a certain political, social, and economic wrapping and put under a tree. No, he was not put under a tree but nailed to a tree. The gift that was nailed on the tree is far more important than a gift under a tree. Jesus Christ is our perfect gift, and if the world would allow Christ to live in their hearts and minds as Lord, our world could really experience the gift of Christmas. Jesus Christ is the only one that can turn our mess into a message, our troubles into testimonies, our burdens into blessings, our obstacles into opportunities, our pain into poetry, our shame into songs, our scars into stars, and our dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows.

Jesus Christ is our perfect gift. He is just what we need from the womb to the tomb. We can never give God what He has given us, but from our theology to our doxology let us:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,

Praise him, all creatures here below,

Praise him above, ye heavenly host,

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

During this Christmas season, let us keep Christ in Christmas and demonstrate in our lives the true gift of Christmas. Remember Christ is the reason for the season. Merry Christmas to All!

Rev. Dr. Reginald F. Davis pastors Historic First Baptist Church of Williamsburg on Scotland St. He has authored two books: Frederick Douglass A Precursor of Liberation Theology; and The Black Church Relevant or Irrelevant in the 21^st Century. Links to where you can purchase his books are Mercer University Press www.MUPress.org and Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc. www.Smyth&helwys.com, and Amazon.com. The author can be contacted at mdavis118@cox.net or Drdavis04@aol.com

CHURCH SERVICE
Worship Service: 11 AM - each Sunday
Sunday School: 9:30 AM - each Sunday

First Baptist Church
727 Scotland Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185
http://www.firstbaptistchurch1776.org/

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"MAKING IT THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS!"

2010-12-03T20:59:00.001-05:00

by Minister Bill Butterfield, Williamsburg Church of Christ
"I won't be doing any celebrating during the holidays this year!" "I miss Jack so much and I don't know how I will survive Thanksgiving and Christmas!" "I won't be going out with the couples at church this year for our annual holiday dinner, I just can't!" These and other similar statements are going to be heard hundreds of times in the next few weeks and each time they will be made by someone experiencing their first holiday season without that "special loved one." It may be a man who was married to his high school sweetheart for more than fifty years. It could be a child grieving over the death of a beloved parent. Some friends will endure the sadness of not sharing the holidays with a lifelong friend. Making it through the holidays takes on many forms, but one thing is constant in that each will be trying to survive!

For nearly fifty years, this writer has shared the above experiences with hundreds of people. In a ministry that has touched the lives of thousands, one cannot help but be personally touched by the sorrow felt by many. It has been my experience that beginning in early November of each year there are those who begin to think about the holidays. The time when family and friends get together to share the joy of the season with one another. The period when smiles that stretch from ear to ear are seen on the faces of most. It is the season when beautiful and cheerful cards are shared with those who are the dearest to us. But, when you are trying to survive, none of the above has any special meaning.

   I saw a need years ago to provide some source of strength for those who wanted to make the best of the festive occasions enjoyed by so many. People who did not want to be the cause of others missing the joy of the season came to me and asked if I could help them make it through the holidays without their loved one. It was difficult for me because I had not experienced such a tragic loss, therefore, I had a hard time empathizing with them, but I knew I had to help. In this article I would like to share with you some insights that I have gained from many sources and experiences.

    EXPECT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TO BE A DIFFICULT ONE! Forewarning one of the difference there is going to be this year during the holidays is crucial. One should not go into the season thinking that they will have the same feelings this year as they have had in previous years. It is not going to be that way and no one can make it that way! When the family gathered for Thanksgiving dinner and the chair always occupied by Gramps was filled by someone else, it was traumatic for some. I know of those who leave an empty chair at the table to remind them of the departed, but then the decision has to be made when do we stop remembering Grandma with an empty seat. Dad or Mom are gone to their eternal rest and will not return this year or next year or any year. Expect a child to say something about the absent loved one because they still may not understand what has happened. Don't shush them because they need to talk about the way they feel. They are not meaning to be hurtful, but are processing their feelings in the only what they know. When that loved one's favorite food is passed by you, it is going to be painful...just expect it. For a long time scents, foods, people, and a myriad of other things will remind you of your personal loss. If you expect these things to happen, it will be easier to deal with them when they occur. Trust me, they will happen!

   DON'T ISOLATE YOURSELF FROM THE SEASON'S JOY! There is going to be a strong tendency to keep yourself from enjoying the "reason for the season." It will not seem right to sing, laugh and celebrate when your loss is still so fresh. You are going to think that it would be disrespectful for you to continue the holiday traditions that you shared with the deceased. The feeling of loss is going to become very keen again, much like it was immediately after their passing. This is the time that you should "honor" the memory of that loved one by keeping those special traditions. Don't cancel the Christmas breakfast because it will be too hard on everyone...continue it! Use it as a time to honor John or Mary. Be honest in your answer to the question, "What would they want us to do about getting together?" You know what they would want you to do...so do it! One thing you need to expect is that when the "couples" get together for their annual night out, they are going to struggle with inviting you. They want you to come, but they are not sure that you will enjoy being the only one without a "date." Make the first move. Ask them if the night out is still on because you would like to go, too. Don't excuse yourself because you will alone alone. Maybe it is the time for you to ask that friend to go with you. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed...enjoyed by everyone, including you!

START NEW HOLIDAY TRADITIONS! That first Christmas after the passing of a loved one is a time of transition in so many ways. It is an excellent time to begin a new family tradition or a new group tradition. Maybe it is time to have Christmas dinner on Christmas eve, instead of noon on Christmas day. It might be a good time to go out to eat at that new restaurant that you always wanted to visit. Maybe Thanksgiving's baton needs to be passed on to the children's family because you know at some point it will have to happen. Why not make the decision now to pass the joy of hosting such a tradition to that son's or daughter's family? Now that Grandpa is no longer able to be the "life of the party," allow the children to be the center of attention. Grandpa would like this!   Allow Suzie to be in charge of picking out and fixing the turkey for Thanksgiving. The "new family traditions" that can begin during the upcoming holidays are only limited by our ability to imagine new ways to celebrate old holidays.

   EMPHASIZE THE "REASON FOR THE SEASON!" I am not responsible for deciding what the holidays mean to you and your family. I would not want that responsibility...never! Whether you see these last few weeks of the each year as a time of spiritual renewal or a time for strengthening the family, it does not really matter. What matters is that whatever the "reason for the season" in your heart that it be emphasized a bit more this year than in previous years. If it is a time that has been used to remember the gift of Jesus, then make that paramount in your celebration. If decorating the house has been important, then decorate it like never before. If the holidays represent family, then this year is the year to discover new ways of bringing the family together as a loving unit.

   The above thoughts are just four among many, but maybe they will be enough to spur you to think of unique and exciting ways to survive the holidays. Remember, you will survive! After the first of the year when things get back to normal, you will be amazed at how well you have done. The key is going to be in the amount of energy that is put forth to make it a wonderful holiday season. It will not be exactly the same, but that does not mean it cannot be the happiest you have ever enjoyed...you will just enjoy it differently! Understand that others have not had the same experiences during the year you have had and they will be cautious not to offend you. Make it easy on them by being the one that recognizes that things are different now, but things are still fine. You taking the initiative in this will make it much easier on others and on you.

My prayer for all of us is that we will have the happiest of holidays!

Minister Bill Butterfield - Minister for 46 years; Worked with local Church of Christ since 1997; married for 45 years, two sons, one daughter-in-law and three grandchildren; Graduate of Abilene Christian University - B.S.; M.S. - Christian education;

ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE
SUNDAYS: 9:30 am: Worship • 11:15 am: Bible Study • 6:30 pm: Worship
(a children's Training For Worship class is available during the morning sermon)
WEDNESDAYS: 10 am & 7 pm: Bible Study

SEASONAL EVENTS
"The Star Of Christmas" - Sunday, December 19, 2010 - 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - A "historical and biblical documentary" on the "Star Of Bethlehem." Full length film and discussion period following;

Christmas Ornament Exchange - Sunday, December 12, 2010 - immediately following morning assembly (approx. 12 (noon);

During Holiday Season all regular services held at normal times

Williamsburg Church of Christ
227 Merrimac Trail
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
757-253-5662
http://www.williamsburgchurchofchrist.org/

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We Would Have Done Things Differently

2010-12-02T14:10:00.001-05:00

by Rev. Allie Rosner, Williamsburg United Methodist Church

The Christmas drama is beginning to unfold: in church, in made-for-TV movies, in nativity scenes we fill in piece by piece. And as it does, there are many characters in the story capable of capturing our imagination. There is Mary, the unwed teenage mother, who suddenly discovers that God has a great calling for her life. There is Joseph, who takes a leap of faith and commits to being a father to a child that isn’t his. There are shepherds and wise men who leave their lives and their lands in search of a baby who somehow holds a promise for them.

But I often find my imagination captured by one character who isn’t even explicitly mentioned in the Bible: the innkeeper who didn’t have any room.

I can’t help feeling kind of sorry for the guy. Talk about missing the opportunity of a lifetime. He has a chance to provide a place for the Son of God to come into the world, and he doesn’t have any room. The best he can come up with is a dirty stable and a manger full of hay.

If you and I had been there, we would have done a few things differently, right? If a pregnant Virgin Mary had showed up at our inn on Christmas night carrying God in her womb, you can bet she would have been treated like a queen. I’m talking the best room in the inn, with a soft bed and a fireplace and a balcony overlooking the Jordan River. That’s what we would have done—wouldn’t we?

Of course, the story might have lost some of its magic if we did. But still. We would have done things differently.

I don’t know what that night at the inn was really like, but I imagine it must have been one of those nights where it gets dark early and the wind just rips through you. The inn would have been busy, with everyone in town for the census. In my imagination, the guests had all finally been fed and settled in for the night, and the innkeeper had just sat down to his first hot meal of the day. And just as he sat—a knock at the door.

The couple who stood there looked dirty and tired. Frankly, the innkeeper wasn’t sure if they could have afforded a room even if he had one. And there was a whisper around the inn: Are they even married yet? Yes, for these people, the innkeeper thought, the stable would be more than adequate. Not that he was judging.

Yes, we would have done things differently.

I suppose it wasn’t really the innkeeper’s fault. He didn’t know. No one had told him that God was with us.

But we who hear the story know! We know that God is with us. We know what salvation looks like when it knocks on our door and asks for a room. We know that miracles like this happen at the most unexpected times and in the most unexpected places.

And even knowing that, would we really have done things so differently?

I wonder if anyone ever told him. I wonder if maybe, 30 years later, someone casually dropped into conversation with the innkeeper, Hey, remember that couple you didn’t have room for? Well, their son is gathering quite the following in Galilee these days. Remember that baby that shepherds visited in your stable? People are calling him the Son of God!

Or, I wonder if he just forgot, and never thought about it again. Mary and Joseph were just two travelers like he met every day—just a little dirtier, a little more tired. It was a crazy night, to be sure, but nothing to write books about.

I wonder if he ever thought we’d be here, thousands of years later, saying we would have done things differently.

So, when someone knocks, open the door. If someone needs a room, give them yours. It might just be God with us.

It wouldn’t be the first time.

Allie Rosner is the associate pastor at Williamsburg United Methodist Church, and a William & Mary alum (’06). Go Tribe!

Williamsburg United Methodist Church
500 Jamestown Road
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(757) 229-1771
http://www.williamsburgumc.org/
Advent Schedule
December 4, 5:00 p.m. - Handel’s Messiah Concert

December 5, 9:15-11 a.m. and 12-1 p.m. - Alternative Giving Fair

Sundays in Advent (November 28; December 5, 12, 19)

8:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. -Traditional Worship

December 8, 7:30 p.m. - Christmas Handbell Concert
December 10, 7:30 p.m. - Festival of Lessons and Carols
December 12, 4:00 p.m. – Children’s Musical, “Light of the World”

Friday, December 24, Christmas Eve

5:30 p.m. Worship Service for Families
8:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship and Holy Communion
11:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship and Holy Communion

Saturday, December 25, Christmas Day
10:00 a.m. Informal Worship Service

*Childcare is available for all Sunday services, Messiah concert, handbell concert, children’s
musical, and the 5:30 and 8 p.m. Christmas Eve services*

Williamsburg United Methodist Church
500 Jamestown Road
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
(757) 229-1771
http://www.williamsburgumc.org/

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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2010-11-30T23:17:00.002-05:00

by Pastor Bob Melone, Stone House Presbyterian Church

Yes. It really is the 'most wonderful time of the year'! Family celebrations and holiday gatherings, twinkling lights and familiar carols, excited children filled with anticipation and smiles from people we may not even know -- they all make for a season full of joy, peace, hope and love.

But 'joy to the world' doesn't just happen. 'Peace on earth' doesn't come about naturally. The love and hope that the season promises isn't going to fall from the heavens like snowflakes on a cold winter night. In order for the holidays to be all that we long for them to be, we need to be conscious of the choices we are making and intentional about the way in which we are celebrating.

Retailers tell us that Christmas is about waiting in line for 7 hours on Thanksgiving night in order to be first in line for that 42 inch TV that is on sale! They tell us to watch for bargains, to make it possible to buy more things, in order to give more gifts, that will make Christmas all that it is supposed to be. Oprah tells us to seek out her 'favorite things.' Dr. Phil tells us to avoid family discussion about difficult topics. Martha Steward tells us to make a wreath. Dr. Oz tells us to stay away from Eggnog. And our culture as a whole sends out all kinds of additional messages: put up lights, bake cookies, take a family photo, wrap presents, go to church, send out cards, host a holiday party, plant some paperwhites, and on and on and on.

I'm exhausted from just thinking about all that I feel like I 'should' be doing.

But just as chestnuts don't roast themselves on an open fire, joy doesn't come to our world unless we bring it. Nights don't silence themselves, nor are they holy unless we make them so.

This year, how 'bout we all stop listening to all the voices around us, and listen instead to the still small voice within? You know the voice -- we all do! It speaks to us all, all the time; but more often than not, we're distracted by all those other voices. But it's there never the less, and it's telling us to slow down. It's telling us to pause to look at the stars. It's telling us not to worry about the perfect tree, or the perfect gift, or the perfect Christmas Eve dinner.

Instead, that still small voice is calling us to think of others -- to drop some coins in a red kettle, to take the kids to a nursing home, or to call that cousin you haven't spoken to all year. It's the voice telling us to laugh loudly and to sing heartily, to cherish our families and to embrace our neighbors, to drive more gently and to tip more generously, to dream, to wish, to dance, and to care. It's telling us to DO less, and to simply BE more!

This really can be the most wonderful time of the year, but only if we make it so. And we can do that by remembering what the season is all about. And it's not about gifts, or clothes, or food, or parties. The season is about peace -- peace on earth, and good will for all. It's about joy -- joy to the world, for God is here.

This Christmas, keep the focus where it should be. Don't be distracted by the voices of those around you, leading you astray. Instead, listen to the Spirit within, that Holy Spirit of God. For that is the Spirit of the Season, the Spirit that really can make the end of 2010, the most wonderful time of this year.

Holiday Worship at Stone House Presbyterian Church:

Sundays in Advent -- 10:00 am (Theme: Christmas around the world)

Christmas Eve:

5:30 pm Family Worship Gathering

8:00 pm Traditional Candle Light Celebration

Visit Stone House Presbyterian at http://www.shpchurch.org/home.html