Christmas Is Not Truly Over

A Blessed Friday after Christmas to all!  The joy of Christmas remains in our hearts, even if our trees are beginning to droop, the poinsettia leaves are beginning to fall, and the decorations seem like they are multiplying as you think about putting them away for another year.  Like many things done in anticipation and excitement, decorating always seems much more fun than un-decorating.  I suppose this is a good time to remind us all that Christmas didn't come in the boxes we brought up from the basement, nor will it be swept out with the wreaths and trees that will soon sit on the curb.  The coming of the Christ Child isn't a seasonal celebration.  Certain aspects of the story may speak to us at certain times of the years, but the story is timeless...God coming to dwell among us...in every season, every day, every hour..

 

Throughout the Advent season, we shared in wonderful worship and ministry experiences at Westwood that I believe honored the Lord and helped us share the joy of Christ with one another and the community around us.  The events of the month were too many to list here, but suffice it to say, we celebrated the birth of Jesus in many wonderful ways.  Now, the celebration continues for the gift of God continues to bring blessing.  Join us this Sunday as we share in a service of worship and praise.  In these days after Christmas, as family may be visiting from out of town, schedules may be a bit more relaxed, and pressures a bit eased, our worship this Sunday will be a little less formal. Dress comfortably, perhaps in that new sweater or pair of jeans you got for Christmas, and come to share in a service where we will have a favorite carol time in which you will choose the carols, a community 50 Sundays at Westwood time when the congregation will share reflections about favorite memories at Westwood, and special music will be provided as Olga and Cindy continue their keyboard duets, and a men's quartet will be singing, "The Birthday of a King.".  If you have family or friends visiting, bring them along as together we continue the celebration.

 

So when you are on that ladder taking down outside lights, vacuuming up the million or so fallen pine needles that have now taken up residence in your carpet, trying to delicately wrap the strands of tree lights so they won`t be tangled next year (and they always are!), or finishing the last of the Christmas cookies, remember, Christmas is not truly over.  It goes on and on and on every day that you remember and celebrate that God has come in human form to be one of us and to save us from our sin.  "For to us a child is born! To us, a Son is given."  

 

Jim Abernathy