The last two Sundays, we have been open for worship, even in the snow. Today, driving in Boone has been a huge challenge. We are on the front side of a blizzard. At least from what I could see from my front window. I didn't try to get on the road yet. There is a drift in the front yard of the parsonage about 4 feet deep with snow already, and they are calling for more snow for 3 more days. What has amazed me in the new culture here in Boone is that life does not stop when it snows! People still come to church! I am so proud of them for that. They say people get here to get to the ski slopes and to the malls, so we ought to be able to get to church. I have to agree with them. We have had our Christmas contata the first Sunday in December and then yesterday we had the children's christmas program during our regular worship service. Lots of people at both of these services and lots of snow and cold weather. So, it was a true blessing to be able to celebrate Christmas with our church family rather than having to postpone and reschedule these events.
You never know where God is going to break into worship and really surprise you with a sneak attack of the Holy Spirit. During the children's play during worship, we had a real baby to play the part of baby Jesus. We also had a real little girl to play Mary. What made the scene so beautiful was watching Mary, who is in the first grade, play with baby Jesus by hiding her eyes and uncovering them quickly. Time and time again she did this to keep the baby from crying. The church was filled with laughter. It was so beautiful. God broke in! That is our prayer from Deerfield UMC to you as you prepare your heart and your home for Christmas, that God will break in and give you a holy surprise as you make room to celebrate the birth of his Son, our Savior Jesus Christ our Lord.
P. S. If I were to write a letter to Santa this year, it would go something like this:
Dear Santa, please bring a John Deere for Christmas. Evelyn
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