MMC: Christmas edition

Good Morning all

Today's Monday morning church is a little different due to Christmas (but shouldn't everything be different due to Christmas?)

First a few quick announcements

• Volunteers are gathering at 7:30pm on Tuesday to decorate the church, if you are willing and able to join us, please come full of cheer and ready to decorate.
• Christmas Eve worship is at 5pm and 10pm. The 5pm service will be a worship of light as we go from darkness to light. The 10pm service will be a more low-key reflective worship. Both services will have communion and candlelight.
• If we didn't sing your favorite carol on Christmas Eve, come prepared to sing it on Dec 26th. Lyudmila will be taking request as we gather for a carol sing with readings and communion. Come as you are (even if you are still in your pajamas) as we celebrate the 2nd day of Christmas (there are 12 days after all).

The book of faith puzzler is: Who directed Mary and Joseph to go to Bethlehem? A) Herod B) Caesar C) an angel D) God E) the IRS If you know the answer, send me an email by noon on Wednesday. A winner will be announced during worship on Sunday.

Now onto the text - sort of. The gospel on Christmas is Luke 2:1-20, which is read each year on Christmas. Read it again and think about it - what is missing from the Christmas story as you remember it? What is added? Do you have any memories that involve reading this gospel, or a story book version?

What is your favorite Christmas tradition? And what are you most looking forward to this Christmas?

During this busy week for many of us, as we prepare, cook, bake, travel, shop, wrap and gift-give, I encourage you to take a few moments to read the Christmas story from Luke and remember that Christmas is really all about a small baby, God's greatest gift.

Many blessings to you all this week. Safe travels to everyone, whether you are traveling across town or across the country, and as Ellen prayed in worship yesterday "Be with everyone who travels during this busy time. May we all remember to obey the rules of the road and be polite to our fellow drivers"