How early is too early to decorate for Christmas? I’m asking for a friend…

Okay, fine, I’ll admit it, the Christmas trees were unboxed in October at our house. The lights went on not long after Halloween, and this week my daughter, on her own initiative, removed the sheets from her bed and asked where the Christmas sheets were stored.

With all the heaviness and heartache of 2020, perhaps it’s perfectly understandable to dip into the warmth, memories, and glow of the holidays a bit earlier than usual (though I’ll admit this is far from abnormal timing for the Swartzentrubers…).

Sitting in the evening darkness in the twinkle of the tree lights did my heart some good.

I suspect it might do all our hearts some good to take in the warmth, glow, and meaning of the Christmas story this Advent. Christ was born into the heaviness and heartache of the world, making visible for us the life-healing and world-transforming love of God we still need.

So while Advent doesn’t begin for a few more weeks (November 29th, if you’re keeping liturgical score at home), you can help South Elkhorn prepare to share the comfort and hope of the Christmas story. Since we likely won’t be indoors for worship, we will need some help transforming the church’s backyard.

Do you have an artificial Christmas tree you are looking to part ways with? You can donate it to South Elkhorn. Drop it off at the church office (leave beside the front entry doors and a staff member will take it inside).

We want to turn the backyard of the Church into a memorable display of Christmas love, hope, and joy in this pandemic year. The worship ministry team has some creative ideas for bringing the Christmas story to life during worship, and the more trees the merrier.

Of course, we aren’t planning to put the trees up until it’s time, but I probably shouldn’t make any promises…

See you Sunday,

PS – The Christmas Story also comes to life with Drive Through Bethlehem, and you can be a part of that too! It will be done with the safety and health of our church and the community front and center, so it will be a little different this year. You can learn more and sign up here.

Evelyn Cartmill – returned home with help from family

Bill McDonald (former Interim Minister) – getting treatment for Covid at hospital.

Casey McDonald – recovering from Covid at home.

Peter Woollam – recovering from broken hip and surgery

Sermon Series

November 15    Exodus: Respite    Exodus 8:1-15
November 22    Exodus: Ruin        Exodus 8:16-32