God comes down that we may rise

Dear friends,

I love Christmas carols.  Despite my lack of singing ability, I have many happy memories of caroling with friends and family in my childhood Pittsburgh neighborhood and later in the hill towns of western Massachusetts.  I gladly added my warble to the joyous blend of voices, singing the familiar words with gusto.  I still do (while, blessedly, our hard-working sound technicians make sure my microphone is muted!).
 
Our hymnal, which is arranged by season and theme, has a “Christmas” section (hymns 77 to 115).  In addition to beloved carols, it contains Christmas hymns that may be completely unfamiliar to you.  One such hymn, I’m guessing, is Sing, O sing, this blessed morn (#88).  In its third verse, it encapsulates the whole story and purpose of Jesus’ life in 26 words:

God comes down that we may rise, lifted by him to the skies;
Christ is born for us that we born again in him may be.
 
The tender, touching account of Jesus’ birth that we celebrate each December is only half of our story as Christians.  The full significance of his birth becomes most apparent in his death and resurrection.  This Child of whom we sing was born to suffer, and to save.  That was good news 2000 years ago, when God took on human flesh and entered our broken, sinful world as a helpless infant living in dark times.  And it is good news to us today, in our own dark times. 
 
I look forward to celebrating with you God’s gracious coming down into our midst, and I very much hope that you will take part in one or more of our upcoming Christmas services:

• Christmas Eve Family Service, December 24 at 4:30 PM with Children’s Pageant, Festival Eucharist, and Candle-lighting
• December 25 at 10:30 AM, at which The Rev. Phillip Shearin and parishioners from St. George’s and St. Augustine’s will be joining us for Christmas Day Eucharist
• January 1 at 10:30 AMService of Lessons and Carols

As is customary here at St. Andrew’s, there will be special Christmas offering again this year. There will be Christmas offering envelopes available in the church beginning this Sunday. You may also give online by clicking here.
 
I hope that your Christmas celebration this year will be a happy one.  Even more, I pray that this holy season will remind you once again of the central truth of the Incarnation:  God comes down that we may rise. 
 
Blessings and love.  -- Anne