The Pastor's Pen
As December arrives and our little town begins to glow with Christmas lights on porches and wreaths on doors, I am always reminded why this season stirs something deep within us.
Christmas has a way of slowing us down and calling us to pause, breathe, and remember the story that changed the world. In a season filled with busyness, shopping lists, and travel plans, the heart of Christmas is still as simple and beautiful as ever: “For unto you is born this day … a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). That announcement, delivered first to ordinary people going about an ordinary day, reminds us that God steps into the lives of regular people like us. He meets us in our joy and sorrow, our hopes and fears, our questions and burdens. The good news of Christmas is that Jesus Christ, God has come near to bring “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10) to all who would believe.
So, throughout the month of December, we will be celebrating that good news each week through the season of Advent. During all four Sundays, we will focus our hearts on Christ and why His coming is such good news, and how God invites us to lift our eyes and hearts again to His promises and the faithfulness He has shown in the birth of His Son. If you do not have a church home, or if it has been a long time since you have worshiped anywhere, I want to extend a heartfelt invitation to you and your family. We would love to welcome you this December at Eastford Baptist Church (133 Union Rd.). Come as you are, whether you are full of faith or full of questions.
And of course, one of the most cherished moments of our year is our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 4 p.m. It is a beautiful, quiet evening where we gather to sing the Christmas carols we love, hear the Scriptures that tell the story of Christ’s birth, and watch as our old sanctuary glows with candlelight, one small flame at a time, reminding us that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:15). My family and I would be honored to share that evening with you. From our home to yours, we wish you a merry and meaningful Christmas. May the peace of Christ rest upon you and your household this season.