A Note from the Senior Warden

A greeting from the Sr. Warden…
 
“Oh, Holy Night.”  Waiting.  “Oh, Holy Night.”  Waiting is difficult!  Preparing is important, but this year preparing is difficult!  “Oh, Holy Night” and all it really means after the waiting and preparing—beautiful!
 
How can it be that I approach this Christmas with such mixed feelings?  I’ve had a lot of conversations with myself (maybe you have, too).  I love Christmas.  I like decorating.  I enjoy shopping in stores with the decorations, music, and the bustle of other shoppers, some with children full of anticipation. I like sending greeting cards.  It’s an opportunity to focus on one special family each time I address a card.  I love going to church with the Advent lessons and music, and especially on Christmas Eve, which is glorious in celebrating the birth of Jesus.
 
This year, however, these are mostly memories and the promise of next year minus Covid-19.  But what about now?  How can I talk myself into feeling genuinely happy?  Shopping online is more comfortable than in stores.  Ok, but it can be tedious and somewhat boring. But even online, when I find just the right gift and it’s still available, it’s a good feeling.  
 
Decorating in my house is minimal this year—I don’t like to admit that.  But having a festive-looking house goes with joyous gatherings of family and friends celebrating together. But we can’t have those.  What I’m beginning to realize, though, is that home decorations also remind ME that Christmas is coming, and to look at my house differently and smile!  So now I have to go back down to the basement and bring out more happy reminders that Christmas is almost here!  And yes, we can still share church, though differently, on line.
 
It may not feel like a merry Christmas without festive gatherings and hugs, but it can still be a happy Christmas.  “Silent night, holy night.  All is calm, all is bright.” (Silent Night).  “Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light” (O Little Town of Bethlehem).  “Peace on earth, good will to men” (It Came Upon a Midnight Clear).  That is a happy Christmas, a very happy Christmas, loving the story and celebrating the birth of Jesus.
 
With love and peace,
Joy Rouse                           ​