The only negative aspect of Christmas is how quickly it’s over. Come December 26th, it’s all just a memory. But I can say that this Advent and Christmas season has been another meaningful journey for us here at Edgemont. We kicked off the Advent season with our Hanging of the Greens service, which was held on the First Sunday of Advent and involved our children, youth and adults. Our mid-week Advent services of Lessons, Carols and Communion started off a little rocky, but once we were all on the same page with the time of our service they were well attended. We had 20 carolers go along with us this year and we had the privilege of going to Pulaski to sing to Mike Williams and his family, as well as to our homebound. I was really pleased with the wonderful attendance we had at both of our Christmas Eve services and thoroughly enjoyed Mike William’s annual "Little Drummer Boy" at our morning service and Sara Slone’s wonderful solo of "O Holy Night" at our evening service. This year at our Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion service we had luminaries placed on our sidewalks and along Edgemont Road to illuminate the darkness of the night. They were quite the eye-catcher. In fact, we had several people stop and ask what we were doing, which gave us the opportunity to invite them to church and I was glad to see that a couple who I had invited actually came to the service. I appreciate Sharon Young for playing at our Christmas Day service, along with those who took the time to share in this worship experience.
Yes, while Christmas may just be a memory for us - it is a pleasant one that I will cherish along with all the other Christmas memories that we have shared together over these past 6 years. Not only is Christmas a memory, but soon 2006 will be also. We stand on the threshold of another New Year. Perhaps, you have already pondered what 2007 might hold in store for you. It is with this thought in mind that I want us to consider what God has in store for us here at Edgemont.
For most of us, 2006 was probably a balance of both good and bad, joys and sorrows. We never know what each day will bring us, but we do know that God is with us in all of life - holding our hands and seeing us through the disappointments, trials and obstacles. As I look back over the year I recall the joy and sorrows of 2006; but rejoice that God is giving us another year filled with possibilities, hopes and dreams. While, none of us are exempt from the difficulties of life, we can celebrate the message of Christmas - Emmanuel (God with us)! That is not a memory; rather, it is a reality! God did not just come to visit and redeem our world - he came to live with us in the person of Jesus Christ and in the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is this Spirit that encourages and enables us to live our lives to their fullest.
It has been said that there are three types of people:
As you look toward the New Year, you must ponder which type of person will you be this coming year. As we enter this New Year may we draw on the Spirit’s strength and power to live 2007 to the fullest, that we might be the people "who make things happen." One thing I love about a new year is the opportunity for new beginnings, goals, dreams, hopes and possibilities for spiritual growth. Some call these, "New Year’s resolutions," but we call this "discipleship" in the church. Through the church, you and I have the opportunity to experience growth through worship, Sunday school and fellowship. Through the church, we have the opportunity to witness our faith and the opportunity to serve, by utilizing out gifts and talents that God has given us. My intention in this coming year is to lay the groundwork and to challenge you to become people "who make things happen," with the expectation that God will do wonderful and marvelous things in you and through you in 2007! Happy New Year!
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