Dear Rose Park,
Over the past few weeks, Simon has been swimming with the West Ottawa age group swim team. He’s been having so much fun not only because he gets to swim two to three times a week, but also because he gets to do it with some of his best friends (Emma Welsch and all the Taber kids just to name a few). While Simon is swimming, Sam and I will sit in the stands and chat with other parents and Winnie typically makes a friend and plays. On Monday night though, Winnie gave us a bit of a scare.
Sam and I were talking with Aaron Welsch while Winnie played with Lydia and some other girls. They were running up and down the steps and going back and forth along the bleachers. A few minutes went by. Eventually, we noticed that Lydia was sitting next to Aaron, but Winnie was nowhere to be found. We asked Lydia if she knew where Winnie was, and she just shrugged. So, Sam got up and started to look for her. She wasn’t in her usual spots and just before Sam and I started to look at each other with the smallest hint of panic, Winnie appeared. She said she went to find a drinking fountain. Crisis averted. As I thought about this, I thought about Advent, and I thought about you all.
It was still night. Outside the town of Bethlehem, some sheep were sleeping. Shepherds were watching them. Suddenly an angel came to the shepherds. And God’s glory shone around them. They were afraid. But the angel said, “Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news. This is happy news for all the people: today in Bethlehem, God’s Son was born. You can go see him. He is wrapped warm and snug in a manger!”
Then many, many angels came from heaven. They praised God. “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth!” When the angels left, the shepherds said, “Let’s go find this baby!” So, they hurried to town. They found the stable. And they saw the new baby. Then the shepherds left, thanking God. They told everyone what had happened. The people were amazed. And Mary always remembered this special time.
The above is a translation from Luke 2 in The Beginners Bible. I wonder how the shepherds felt. At first, they were afraid as an angel appeared to them. Then, they were filled with joy and excitement as they traveled to Bethlehem declaring, “Let’s go find this baby!” I imagine some of us are a little afraid during the Christmas season as well. Maybe it’s the first Christmas without mom or dad. Maybe it’s the first Christmas that the kids won’t be coming home. Maybe Christmas is just another reminder of how life didn’t turn out the way you were hoping.
And while this season might present its’ own challenges, I also hope and pray that the season of Advent and Christmas is also a season of great joy for you. I hope and pray we are filled with the same excitement as the shepherds as they travel to Bethlehem. I hope and pray we are eagerly anticipating hearing the good news of Luke 2 on Christmas Eve. I hope and pray we are overjoyed to sing “Joy to the World” and “O Come Let us Adore Him.” I hope and pray we are in awe of the stillness of candles displayed around the sanctuary while singing “Silent Night.” And I hope and pray each of us are filled with the joy of the Lord as we declare with gladness, “Let’s go find this baby!”
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark
Photo by Paul Volkmer on Unsplash