From the Study...

Dear Friends,

Christmas comes on Sunday this year. It happens every so often … and I’m sure there is a formula, which takes into account the occurrence of Leap Year, which one can use to determine the frequency of December 25th falling on a Sunday. But whatever that formula looks like, this is one of those years for Christmas to come on a Sunday.

This has happened five times in my career (1988, 1994, 2005, 2011, and 2016) and it was not very popular with the flock, especially for people with children at home. The problem was that it interfered with the family ritual of getting up early on Christmas morning to see what Santa Clause brought and then having an easy day of family and friends gathered about for Christmas dinner and exchanging gifts. Having to get dressed and go to church broke the Christmas routine. Well, here we are again with Christmas on a Sunday.

But, you see, Easter is on a Sunday … always. And we’ve managed to figure out how the Easter Bunny can be compatible with that schedule. So, we can figure out a way for Santa to do the same thing with Christmas when it comes on Sunday. In fact, I am convinced that is the way Santa would have it. He kneels before the cradle of the Christ Child just like the rest of us do.

This Christmas Day we will not have the 8:45 AM service. There will be one time of worship at 10:00 AM. It will be a bit shorter and a bit different from the usual 11:00 worship service. We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper and, depending on how many are here, we might come to the Table in groups and serve each other. We’ll sing some carols and hear the Christmas story according to Saint Luke. If the kids are still in their PJ’s when it is time to come to church, that’s fine, bring them on. Then we’ll all go back home, and I have every idea that the celebration of the birth of Christ will be the richest it has ever been.

So, take in every particle of this Advent Season, especially after the affects COVID has had on the past two Advent seasons. Enjoy the blessings of every gathering of friends and every special time of worship. Sing the carols with all your spirit, wrap the presents with as much love as paper and ribbon. Let’s get ready because a baby is coming and he is God, and his birthday is on Sunday this year.

From the Bragan home and hearts to your homes and hearts, God’s most wonderful blessings at Christmas.

Grace and peace,

Mike