Sunday, December 16, 2018

Celebrating Christmas at St. Andrew's


Dear friends,

In early December, John and I had the opportunity to meet our newest nephew, Noah, who was born on November 1.  He was five weeks old when we met him, and he weighed exactly what he had weighed at birth:  7 lbs, 3.5 oz.  Holding that tiny, precious bundle of life in my arms, I was struck anew by the wonder of Christmas:  This is the way Almighty God came into our midst to be with us, as a completely fragile, vulnerable, helpless infant.  That, in a nutshell, is the Christmas story.

Please plan to join us here at St. Andrew’s as finish up our Advent waiting on Sunday, December 23; and then as we celebrate once again the birth of the Messiah with three services:

  • Our 4:30 PM Family Christmas Eve Service will include a child-oriented, interactive telling of the Christmas Story; child-friendly prayers; Holy Eucharist; and beloved carols. 
  • At 10:40 PM we will have a concert of Christmas music followed at 11:00 PM with a Festival Eucharist Rite II.
  • On Christmas Day, there will be a service of Holy Eucharist at 10:30 a.m.

As is customary here at St. Andrew’s, a Christmas offering envelope is enclosed with this mail-out newsletter for your use.  They will also be inserted in this Sunday’s service bulletins.  Please bring your envelope with you to church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Friends, God loves us so much!  He is willing to come to us stripped of all power and majesty, humbly in need of help and protection.  Holding little Noah made my heart swell with love.  I pray that each of us will have that same experience this Christmas, as we cradle in our hearts the precious gift of the baby Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, sent with such love and evoking such love. 

Blessings to you in this holy season, and always. 

Faithfully, Anne

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