I’m Dreaming of a …

Growing up, if I had any uncertainty about which season we were in, when I heard Bing Crosby’s baritone voice singing those opening lines to White Christmas any doubt was whooshed away. In my home, Advent was a time for all the cultural music playing in the background while we (mom) baked all the seasonal delights. Our woodstove would pump out the woody warmth that seemed perfect for our own Christmas movie. That is my nostalgic picture of my holiday childhood.

One of the other memories I have is going on a lot of visits to the relatives or going skiing or sledding with friends (when there was snow). The holidays for my family were a time for reconnection, reminiscing and recreation.

I am in a nostalgic mood this year. This pandemic time has really wreaked havoc on tradition and expectations. As we are planning for Advent and Christmas here at FLC we, again, are doing things differently, not the same. (So, please pay attention to the announcements and weekly news to make sure you are aware of when things are happening!) Oh, how a long for those things we used to do! Remember?

Well, this does not mean that it will not be a meaningful season. We will still be in worship each Advent Sunday, lighting the candles on the Advent wreath. There will still be a tree that will bloom each week until it is a Christmas Tree! We will still sing all the old songs, and some new, to mark this time. There still will be touchstones that will lead us to that moment when we will sing “Silent Night.” Probably not in that silky smooth Bing voice, but still full of emotion, because we remember in that moment that God is indeed with us, Emmanuel, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Nurturer, Prince of Peace.

Blessings this Advent season. May you rediscover the joy and hope that comes with anticipating the coming of the Messiah.

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sen
t by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." (Luke 1:26-28)