As we enter into the final push leading up to Christmas we begin to see transformation all around us. Trees transform with lights, stockings transform from empty to full. Churches hang greens and light candles and open doors to welcome the coming of the Savior. Sunday at Middletown we will gather and give thanks for the journey of Mary. We hear her song, “My soul magnifies the Lord… for the Lord has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.” In this song, often called “Magnificat” after its opening word in Latin, we hear of her journey and the “strength of God’s arm” acting as both defender against oppressors and provider for the rest (the lowly, the hungry). It will be a time to celebrate those who surrounded Jesus on his journey, the struggle that they went through and the trials they overcame. We will light our candle of love, a reminder that God loved the world so much that he sent us a baby, born in a manger to change the world. Let us be still for a moment on Sunday, to give thanks for the full story of Christmas. Let us allow ourselves the space to be fully present with each emotion that this day brings. Joy, love, community, travel, grief, longing and so many more. This is the testimony of the Christmas story, it is messy. So are our lives. So as we see the world around us transform in this season, may we also see our hearts transform with the coming of the Savior.
As we leave Sunday with this reminder that the time is coming, we return Monday night, Christmas Eve, with a joyous expectation of the coming of Christ into the world. Let every heart prepare him room, for the time is here. In a service of story and singing, we will join together to celebrate the birth, the coming, the promise of transformation brought to us in the form of a baby. This service of light will remind us that light is what brings hope, joy, peace, and love to the world. Light is the culmination of our Advent journey. Come, light the candles, sing, listen to the story, and join in community. All Are Welcome.
Melissa Hurley is Pastor at Middletown Community United Methodist Church. Please join us in Middletown at 11 a.m. as we celebrate Mary and for our Christmas Eve Service on Dec. 24 at 6 pm. All Are Welcome.
