Christmas Eve 2009--5 pm service

Rejoice—Reflect--Renew


Life is always a rich and steady time
when you are waiting for something to happen or to hatch.

So writes E.B. White in his children’s book, Charlotte's Web

Life is always a rich and steady time
when you are waiting for something to happen or to hatch.

That in many ways describes the season of Advent.

But look—all 4 candles on the Advent wreath are burning bright—and now the white candle in the middle is also burning bright.

The white candle is the Christ candle.
It is Christmas Eve.
This is the night we celebrate God coming into the world as a baby.
A human baby named Jesus.
A baby that changed the world—
and if we are open to that baby,
will change us.

Tonight is a wonderful night to ponder
how God has come into our own world, our own lives--
and keeps on coming.

Some of you may have seen the special
on television Sunday evening
about the Christmas decorating at the White House.
(And I thought greening a church was a big task!)

I was astounded to find out that
all the decorating at the White House
is done by volunteers.
That is true here at St. John’s as well.


Each year the White House, usually the First Lady,
selects a theme for the decorations.
This year’s theme is: Rejoice. Reflect. Renew.

Rejoice.
Reflect.
Renew.

Hold those words in your heart as you leave this place tonight.
Rejoice. Reflect. Renew.

What has God done in your life this year
that calls you to rejoice?
Think of your many blessings,
And don’t wait for everything to line up just perfectly—
REJOICE!
Give thanks and rejoice!

What has God done in your life this year
that has challenged you?
Think of those challenges and rather than be discouraged,
REFLECT.
How have those challenges made you stronger?
How have those challenges
brought you to your knees at times?
How have those challenges led you to discover a new path?


Renew.
Jesus comes into the world as a human being
to offer us hope for our own human being-ness.
Jesus comes to renew in us
all that good and hopeful and possible.

Ponder what is good.
Cling to everything
that offers you hope.
Believe that the impossible
can and will be made possible.

Rejoice.
Reflect.
Renew.

Something has happened.
Something has hatched.
Advent is over.
Christmas is here.
For me.
For you.
For the whole world

Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!