It’s the week of Christmas. Advent’s crescendo of light is almost complete, and now that we are on the other side of the winter solstice (December 21), the light is lengthening. Ancient people built structures with the solstices in mind. Stonehenge was designed to receive the first light of the solstice sun. Some used to build bonfires in the winter, partly to lure the sun back after months of receding light. 

In the same way, the solstice is a pivot point where the light begins to grow. Christmas is when we celebrate the light of Christ appearing in the world and lengthening throughout creation. This is what we act out at the end of our Christmas Eve service when we share the light of Christ and watch as a dark room begins to glow. 

I look forward to this day every year. As the light begins, this is a moment to consider how we might take on more and more of the image of Christ. It’s a time to remember how we can be Christ to our neighbors and embody God’s faithful love for a world in need. 

Our Christmas Eve services will be at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Let’s share the light. Invite your friends and family. These will be identical services, with a children’s sermon at both. 

We will have worship on Sunday, December 29, at 11 a.m. There will not be Sunday School. The office will also be closed December 25-26. 

Grace and peace,
Garrett Vickrey