Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about…
If your family is anything like mine, the movies we watch this time of the year are an importan part of enjoying and immersing ourselves in the holiday season. There are the funny movies like Elf and my favorite, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. We have numerous versions of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (The Muppet version stands out!). There are some emotional classics like It’s a Wonderful Life, and some films whose “Christmas movie status” may be dubious (I’m looking at you Die Hard). This last month of the year comes with so many things that compete for our attention, but taking a couple of hours to relive a favorite movie holds a special celebratory place.
I read a study a couple of years ago that found that rewatching a familiar and enjoyed television show has a calming comforting effect on us. I suppose this is likely why The Office was the top show binged on Netflix early in the pandemic. I also suppose that this is why we rewatch all of these Christmas movies every year. It is always good to be reminded that every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings and to smile when Cousin Eddie shows up on Clark Griswold’s front lawn. There is comfort in reliving a known, enjoyed, and sometimes important narrative.
I invite you to join us this Sunday evening at 5:00 for our annual Lessons and Carols service and next Sunday for our children’s pageant at the 10:30 service. Both of these events will seek to tell THE story in their own way. You know THE story. You’ve heard about the shepherds in the fields and the wise men from the east. You know about Mary and Joseph finding no place in the inn. We all celebrate the baby Jesus bringing good news and glad tidings to all God’s beloved people. Hearing this story with beautiful music and wonderful readers will gladden your heart this Sunday evening (and if you are a parent, the childcare will provide you a quiet moment to reflect on the significance of what we are celebrating). Next Sunday, experiencing the children of our parish telling THE story promises to bring joy to your life and our world. Friends, I pray that as we get to gather in person for these things this year, we will know even more deeply how very blessed we are by the Christmas miracle. May the reliving of what God has done for us bring us all joy and peace.