Advent is a time of watching and waiting. We prepare for Christmas in many different ways at our house:
Decorating the Christmas tree
Hanging wreaths inside
Baking and decorating Christmas cookies
Writing a fun, rhyming Christmas letter
One of the most important things that makes Christmas the most wonderful time of the year is experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a child. I smile each time I look at a photo of our granddaughter, Emmy, in 2019. She was 18 months old. She was sitting on her mother’s lap and Doug is holding up a lit candle in front of Emmy’s face on Christmas Eve. She looks in wonder at the simple candle in front of her. The glow on the face of both the child and the grandfather always fills me with joy and gratitude.
This year everyone is so hungry for a bright and happy Christmas, one that feels more “normal.” Experts remind us that we still need to be careful, especially to protect the vulnerable. This includes both the elderly and unvaccinated children, especially those under the age of five.
This Christmas Eve we are hopeful that people will feel safe and “come home” this Christmas to Hyde Park Community UMC. We continue to practice social safe distancing and strongly encourage wearing of masks for all indoors, per CDC guidelines.
Join us on Christmas Eve as we celebrate the birth of Jesus during the most wonderful time of the year:
4:00 p.m. Family and Childrens Service led by our children and youth (for the safety of the children, masks are required in the sanctuary)
6:00 p.m. Communion Service, with Rev. Kate Smith and the HPC Praise Band
8:30 p.m. Candlelight and Carols with Rev. Doug Johns. Canterbury Brass, and Cathedral Choir
11:00 p.m. Candlelight and Carols with Rev. Doug Johns and the Wesley Choir
Online worship and socially safe distanced seating in the Welcome Center and Little Theater are additional options for all four services.
As you make your “plans” for Christmas, we pray that you will find a way to connect with your church family this holy season. We look forward to worshipping the Christ-Child with you, lost in wonder, love and praise.
Peace,
Pastor Cathy