Christianity is a joyful faith! Jesus speaks of the gift of fullness of joy! This Sunday was an especially joyful day of celebrating God’s love through music, worship, prayer, generosity, Communion, the sermon on joy, and the baptism of eight people. Our church family was blessed as each of those baptized briefly shared a bit of their faith and why they were being baptized. Communion is always so special for me, but yesterday it was a moment of rejoicing after the baptism of those eight people. People lingered long afterwards visiting with one another. I am always grateful for the opportunity to pray with those who respond to the message that day.

One of the events we look forward to are Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village. This year once again It was wonderful evening. When you step through the gates of this 80 acres of historical Americana and hear families laughing as they get to ride in a Ford Model T. On many of the corners or on a porch you could hear carolers or a choir singing songs that celebrate God’s love in the Incarnation. There were string quartets, brass and wind ensembles playing many other festive tunes as well. Throughout the village there wood fires to warm yourself by. I had my first roasted chestnuts; although I wasn’t real impressed with them. I was impressed however with how genuinely polite and considerate people were throughout the evening, even in the traffic outside the village.

Many of the old houses were decorated and lit up either by those new fangled Christmas lights invented by Mr. Edison or candles and kerosene lamps. Hopefully these three photos from last night will give you a “feel” of the evening.

Astonished! Eugene Peterson wrote, “Wonder, that astonished willingness to stop what we are doing, to stand still, open-eyed and open-handed, ready to take in what is “more and other,…” Peterson, Eugene H.. Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: A Conversation in Spiritual Theology (p. 127). Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.. Kindle Edition. Emphasis is mine.

During the Advent season this year, I pray that you will be astonished as you ponder the Incarnation. Incarnation means God took on human nature. He lived in time, space, and matter just like us. The Incarnation means as we submit our lives to Him in faith, we will experience the new life he promised and love one another as he loved us. This is joyous news that casts out our fear and doubt filling us with love and faith. Take time as Peterson said, stop whatever you are doing, stand still, open-eyed and open handed, ready to take in what is “more and other.”

Remember Celebrate God’s love to you and yours by sending His Son, Jesus. I just wanted to stop and and sit still to talk and pray this verse over you tonight. “May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5, NLT)

Peace!