Dear Members and Friends of Christ Lutheran Church...
Co-Written by Ed and Susan Adkins
Greetings! Susan, here! As I write my part of this article, the Christmas season is upon us, with preparations in full swing. Nothing makes me more nostalgic than Christmastime! With our last several council articles featuring “change”, I felt it appropriate to continue the trend. I’ve been thinking about the secular Christmas “changes” in our family over the last 34 years. When it was “just the two of us”, the first gift I got Ed (We were still dating.) was a blue V-neck sweater with a matching blue dress shirt. I chose it so carefully to match his handsome blue eyes. Nothing brought me more joy. (It doesn’t fit, anymore, but he still has the sweater. Might he be nostalgic, too?) The years we had a single child, Eddie, I would spend much time (and money!) at Toys R Us, in search of perfect dinosaur toys from Santa. Nothing brought me more joy. When we added our precious daughter (Emmy), I got to spend time in the pink Barbie and ballerina aisles! Nothing brought me more joy.
As they grew, came more changes with holiday preparations. (Like getting them both to smile in holiday pictures!) There was the year we added 2 chinchillas to our family. (He begged for one, with us saying there was NO WAY we were getting a chinchilla; all the while knowing it was in the works!) Nothing brought me more joy. One chinchilla, Maverick, is still alive! Growing children took us away from dinosaurs and Barbies, soon focusing on video games and make-up. I didn’t notice at the time, but American Eagle and Aeropostale completely replaced Toys R Us. And nothing brought me more joy. As young adults, living on their own, there are household items (and even specialty food items) on the list. And nothing brings me more joy. Many things have changed, but not everything!
Ed, here, now! You know what HASN’T changed: the significance of Jesus' birth. His humble beginning in a manger has inspired countless generations, reminding of God's love and humility. And nothing brings us more joy. In the heart of our congregation, it’s a time of reflection and celebration; a deep, personal connection to the cornerstone of our faith. The story of Jesus' birth is central to Christianity: born to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, fulfilling ancient prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. And nothing brings us more joy. The birth of Jesus
symbolizes God's embodiment on Earth, a testament to divine love and the promise of salvation to all. And nothing brings us more joy. We share weekly “God sightings” of how Jesus and his teachings have shaped our lives and strengthened our faith - especially during Christmas. And nothing brings us more joy.
Christmas traditions hold special significance: festive meals, nut rolls, decorating with lights and ornaments are all important. Setting up a cherished nativity scene (with the holy family, angels, shepherds, and wise men) brings His story to life, providing a sense of peace and reverence. Exchanging gifts reminds us of the gifts brought by the Wise Men and the spirit of generosity and love embodied in the holiday. Gathering for our candlelight Christmas eve service (with carols and communion) is one of our most important traditions. Traditions not only honor Jesus' birth but also strengthen the bonds within our church family. And nothing brings us more joy.
Christmas is a time of reflection on blessings received and lessons learned; a time to remember the enduring love of Jesus and the hope he brings to the world. Our stories and experiences serve as a beacon of faith for younger generations. Jesus is the reason for the season: a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, reflecting on his profound impact on our lives. For our cherished congregants and guests, it is a season filled with deep spiritual meaning and the warmth of family and faith. And nothing brings us more joy. Much joy to you and your families...Ed and Susan
Greetings! Susan, here! As I write my part of this article, the Christmas season is upon us, with preparations in full swing. Nothing makes me more nostalgic than Christmastime! With our last several council articles featuring “change”, I felt it appropriate to continue the trend. I’ve been thinking about the secular Christmas “changes” in our family over the last 34 years. When it was “just the two of us”, the first gift I got Ed (We were still dating.) was a blue V-neck sweater with a matching blue dress shirt. I chose it so carefully to match his handsome blue eyes. Nothing brought me more joy. (It doesn’t fit, anymore, but he still has the sweater. Might he be nostalgic, too?) The years we had a single child, Eddie, I would spend much time (and money!) at Toys R Us, in search of perfect dinosaur toys from Santa. Nothing brought me more joy. When we added our precious daughter (Emmy), I got to spend time in the pink Barbie and ballerina aisles! Nothing brought me more joy.
As they grew, came more changes with holiday preparations. (Like getting them both to smile in holiday pictures!) There was the year we added 2 chinchillas to our family. (He begged for one, with us saying there was NO WAY we were getting a chinchilla; all the while knowing it was in the works!) Nothing brought me more joy. One chinchilla, Maverick, is still alive! Growing children took us away from dinosaurs and Barbies, soon focusing on video games and make-up. I didn’t notice at the time, but American Eagle and Aeropostale completely replaced Toys R Us. And nothing brought me more joy. As young adults, living on their own, there are household items (and even specialty food items) on the list. And nothing brings me more joy. Many things have changed, but not everything!
Ed, here, now! You know what HASN’T changed: the significance of Jesus' birth. His humble beginning in a manger has inspired countless generations, reminding of God's love and humility. And nothing brings us more joy. In the heart of our congregation, it’s a time of reflection and celebration; a deep, personal connection to the cornerstone of our faith. The story of Jesus' birth is central to Christianity: born to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, fulfilling ancient prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. And nothing brings us more joy. The birth of Jesus
symbolizes God's embodiment on Earth, a testament to divine love and the promise of salvation to all. And nothing brings us more joy. We share weekly “God sightings” of how Jesus and his teachings have shaped our lives and strengthened our faith - especially during Christmas. And nothing brings us more joy.
Christmas traditions hold special significance: festive meals, nut rolls, decorating with lights and ornaments are all important. Setting up a cherished nativity scene (with the holy family, angels, shepherds, and wise men) brings His story to life, providing a sense of peace and reverence. Exchanging gifts reminds us of the gifts brought by the Wise Men and the spirit of generosity and love embodied in the holiday. Gathering for our candlelight Christmas eve service (with carols and communion) is one of our most important traditions. Traditions not only honor Jesus' birth but also strengthen the bonds within our church family. And nothing brings us more joy.
Christmas is a time of reflection on blessings received and lessons learned; a time to remember the enduring love of Jesus and the hope he brings to the world. Our stories and experiences serve as a beacon of faith for younger generations. Jesus is the reason for the season: a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, reflecting on his profound impact on our lives. For our cherished congregants and guests, it is a season filled with deep spiritual meaning and the warmth of family and faith. And nothing brings us more joy. Much joy to you and your families...Ed and Susan