December 19, 2007
Greetings to all!
The 20th century theologian, Karl Barth, often preached at the prison in Basel, Switzerland. In one of his Christmas sermons (1954), Barth reflects on the angels' song to the shepherds (Luke 2:13-14) and what it means to participate in the Christmas story.
This, then, is the Christmas story. You see, we cannot possibly hear this story and not look away from ourselves, from our own life with its cares and burdens. There he is, our great God and Savior, and here we are, human beings, and now it is true that he is for me, is for us. Impossible to hear his story without hearing our own. It is the great transformation that has been worked in us once and for all, the great joy it has released in us, and the great calling we have received to set out on the way he shows us. What shall we do now? Shall we continue in our old ways, in absentmindedness, in disbelief, perhaps in some lofty Christian sentiments? Or shall we awake and rise, set out on our journey and turn about? The angel of the Lord does not compel anybody. Even less can I compel! A forced listening to the Christmas story, a forced participation in the story, is of no avail. We must willingly listen and willingly participate...Our place is not among the angels; we live here on earth, in this city, in this house. Yet when we hear about this song of praise and when we realize that God did not send one angel alone, but that the multitude of the heavenly host was present with their song of praise, might we not be carried away just as we fall in step when a good band plays or unconsciously hum or whistle a well-known tune that falls on our ears? That would be it! Then we would freely listen to and freely participate in the Christmas story.
(from Deliverance to the Captives)
The Scripture lessons for Sunday, December 23, the 4th Sunday of Advent:
Isaiah 7:10-16
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-25
Youth Christmas Party - Walnut Hill Youth (middle and high school) are invited to a Christmas Party on Thursday, December 20, 6 - 8 pm, at the Wards' (341 Albany Road). We will enjoy a chili supper, a random gift exchange, and some vintage Christmas videos. Those attending are asked to bring a fun gift (under $10) for the gift exchange as well as some house cleaning or personal hygiene item(s) to support the work of Kentucky Refugee Ministries. Guests are welcome. Please rsvp to the Wards (276-4285).
Men's Coffee - Walnut Hill men are invited to gather for coffee this Saturday, December 22, 8am, at Paneras on Richmond Road. Feel free to stop in for as long or short a time as your schedule permits. No rsvp required.
Decorating the Sanctuary - We will be decorating the sanctuary this Saturday, December 22, 9:30am. There will be a variety of decorating (and other) tasks available for folks who might like to help decorate, clean, and otherwise get the church ready for Christmas and the New Year.
Sunday Conversations continue this Sunday, December 23, 10am, in Trinity Hall, around the Scripture lessons for the day (see above). Feel free to stop in and join the conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee, or just listen in.
Sunday Potluck Refreshments! With the holiday so near, we invite those present on Sunday (December 23) to bring one plate of Christmas refreshments (cookies, cake, etc.) that you have on hand, or even too much of, for our after worship refreshments.
Christmas Eve Worship - Our worship schedule for Christmas Eve will include...
*5:00pm - an informal service of lessons and carols for all ages, including candlelight ceremony.
*9:00pm - a formal service of Evening Worship and Holy Communion, including candlelight ceremony
Thanks, news....
*Thanks to...the Walnut Hill children and youth for their music, pageantry, and leadership during worship last Sunday; Lauren Fouts, Nell Horman and a variety of parents who helped the children in their wonderful presentation last Sunday; Julia and Charlie Snow for the abundant and delicious refreshments last Sunday.
*Alexandra Rose Wallen was born on Friday, December 14, to parents Joanne and Jody Wallen. All is well with mother and child, and father.
Merry Christmas to all!
Mike Ward
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