Saint Andrew’s Net | December 2005 | Vol. XX No. 10 | Page 1

We began our Advent season on the last Sunday in November, and now together as a community, we spend our time preparing for the birth of our Lord. In this season of preparation, I invite you to take examine the relationships in your life. Take the time to be with your loved ones, even as you participate in the craziness of Christmas. A great way to do that would be to attend the Lessons and Carols service on Dec. 18 at 3:30 p.m. This service includes the reading of scripture and the singing of carols, which tell the story of the coming of the baby Jesus. After the service, stay for the annual Greening of the Church, when we decorate the church for the Christmas Season. You’ll want to stick around for the Greening of the Church, because it’s also potluck time—bring holiday goodies to share with your fellow parishioners as we get out the garlands, hang up the holly, and unwrap the wreaths (among other things). 

Just as Jesus was born into a family, so are we—and we are called to remember how blessed we are to have our family. I invite you also to reflect how blessed you are by having this faith community. In this time of transition, what greater gift can one have than to have the community of Saint Andrew’s? In this Advent season, it is my prayer that all of you will love and cherish the gift of life.

The season of Advent calls us to prepare for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. That birth, which began our community, draws us together as the people of God. Each of us makes our way to the stable to participate and give thanks for the joy of Christmas. I invite you to journey with me through this Advent Season, and to prepare together so that when Christmas comes we may know fully how blessed we are. 

We will be having two services on Christmas Eve. There will be a family Eucharist with the Christmas Pageant at 5 o’clock in the afternoon, and the singing of Christmas Carols followed by the Holy Eucharist at 9:30 in the evening.

Melissa and I wish you a blessed Christmas, and hope you will join with us as we all give thanks for the grace that is ours in the Christ Child.

God’s Peace,

 Peter