Author: Mari Walker

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. —John 1:1,2,14 NIV

One Christmas, I traveled to Dallas to meet with friends who were celebrating a “Friendsmas.” At this gathering were seminarians and a homeless man they had befriended. He asked for a shower, and received toiletries and clean clothes to wear while his clothes were washed! At dinner, with tears in his eyes he said, “Wow, I feel like a new man and I am so thankful for what y’all just did for me. You have no idea how much this means.” I was overwhelmed to see that actions done out of love and compassion were received with such humility. This was truly a welcoming moment; though none of us knew how the night would go, God’s Holy Spirit was very present throughout the evening.

As I reflect on this John text, it speaks of how the word of God became human flesh, through Christ Jesus. Christmas is a joyful time, a time when we celebrate that word being made flesh with the birth of a child so small and humble. It’s that sense of humility that makes me think of our neighbors in The Shepherd’s Market who come humbly to receive. Many come who are physically hungry but they come spiritually hungry as well. What do our neighbors see in the faces and actions of The Shepherd’s Market volunteers who are serving them? Like that humble birth so long ago, God’s presence continues to find us in the ordinary places of our lives; time spent with loved ones and in acts of compassion and care to our neighbors.

Oh Holy one, Holy three, we celebrate the birth of your son today. We celebrate how his entrance into the world made your presence become flesh incarnate. May we continue to celebrate how you walk with us, and are there present in the spaces of our lives before we ever are. Amen.

Pastor Julia Puac-Romero

So welcome each other, in the same way that Christ also welcomed you, for God’s glory. Romans 15:7 (CEB)

During one of Kaye’s final “alert days,” I took communion over to her house. I knew this visit would be one of our last. It was a sacred time—shared in a sacred place—her home.

As she slowly walked me out, I noticed her nativity set, complete with 12-inch tall figurines, set up by the front door on its own table. It seemed a little unusual because it was the middle of the summer!

I commented to her how beautiful it was. She said Christmas was her favorite holiday so she liked to keep it all year. As I turned to say goodbye, she said, “I want to make sure every day I’ve got left feels like Christmas.”

As I stood in the doorway where Kaye and her husband, James, welcome people into their home—I was reminded of the fullness of life—the goodness of God’s great love for us—that we experience in the Christ child. Yes, it’s Christmas everyday when we experience the miracle of birth alongside the mystery of death with dear loved ones in our lives.

It’s Christmas every day when we, like…

• • Joseph, willingly accept the challenges that life poses.

• • Mary, say, “Let it be. Let it be according to Your will, O God.”

• • the angels, bring good news of God’s love to the world.

• • the innkeeper, offer welcome to our neighbors.

• • the shepherds, share the love we experience at the manger with everyone we meet.

• • the wise men, bow before God bringing these gifts to the Prince of Peace—offering our best—our lives—in his service.

May Hope, Peace, Joy and Love abound in your hearts and lives, as together we experience the Living Christ, not only this day, but each day, forevermore.

Emmanuel, God with us, we celebrate your presence this day. Open our eyes to your miracles each day. Thank you for accepting and welcoming us. Amen.

Pastor Lane Cotton Winn

Home Worship & Advent Wreath Reading*
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day

Lighting the Christ Candle

Read: John 1:1-5

Light: We offer the following reading as you light the four Advent candles and Christ Candle on your Advent wreath. If you do not have an Advent wreath, we invite you to light a candle, in honor of the Christ Child that is born again in our hearts and lives this Christmas.

The day has finally come! As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we light the Christ candle, signifying the Light of Christ has come into the world. The candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love are lit, too. In lighting these candles, we remember Jesus’ presence with us now—Emmanuel—God is with us.

(Light the first, second, third, and fourth candles. Light the center white candle.)

Reflect: When we look at the center candle, we remember that God sent Jesus to give hope, peace, joy and love to all people. Outside of Bethlehem, the shepherds saw a great light and heard the voices of angels. They traveled to the manger and were welcomed in as the first guests to see the baby Jesus.

Far away from Bethlehem, magi saw a star in the sky. They followed the star and were filled with joy when they found Jesus. They remind us that the gift of Jesus was not just for the people in one place but for all people. All are welcome to worship the newborn king and to follow in his pathway of light.

It’s amazing to think of these persistent travelers who were determined to find Jesus. They traveled with hope and faith in the promise that they would find the new king. Who are the people in our world who need to know of God’s promises?

What are our hopes on this day for our world?

Pray: Dear God, Thank you for your son, Jesus and the welcome you extend to all people and places. This Christmas, help us remember and rejoice again because Jesus was born. May we live every day remembering your loving care and warm welcome and showing that loving care and welcome to others. Amen.

Respond: Name one thing you are willing to do in the days following Christmas that will help you and others remember God’s promises.

*Adapted from UMC Discipleship Ministries 2017 Advent Home Worship

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” —Matthew 18:20

Our traditional family Christmas was not to be that year! Even grown children have expectations that their parents will keep the home fires burning and maintain traditions, don’t they? My stable parents had shocked the family by moving from our small Southern hometown to Orange, California. A few months after the big move, my husband, our two small children and I accepted the invitation to spend Christmas in California.

In our hometown, we had always attended the Christmas Eve candlelight service in the lovely old Methodist church. Although my parents had not yet found a California church home, my mom was determined we would all be in church on Christmas Eve. Soon, we were piled into the car, Dad driving and Mom directing. Stops at a couple of churches proved unfruitful, either no service or a midnight service. Grumbling began from the back seat with, “Shouldn’t we go back home?” Mom insisted we forge ahead!

It was getting dark when we happened upon a Lutheran church. We got out and followed a crowd into a big basketball gym with rows of folding metal chairs. The crowd grew quiet when a striking woman with a familiar face stood and began to belt out a carol. In a moment of insight, we recognized her as a soap opera star! The next soloist was a small boy singing “Away in a Manger” a bit off key and an octave too high. At this point, my composure snapped, and I began to giggle uncontrollably, but silently. Fortunately, my undignified behavior was witnessed only by my family. All in all, the service was lovely, and we were invited back by many kind folks. Our California Christmas reminded us that the welcoming spirit of Christmas is not dependent on tradition or place, but on Christ’s presence evident in a community of believers.

Dear Lord, please give us open minds and hearts to know your presence in all places and situations. Amen.

Mary Martha Allen