It was back in December of 1982 that I first asked a member of my parish if we could put out a sign in front of the Church inviting persons who had fallen away from attendance to "Come Home for Christmas".  And so we created a large sign painted with holly and berries and placed it where everyone in town would see it as they drove bye.  It was the very first sign of that kind that I had ever seen.  Now almost every church denomination has at one time or another chosen the theme of "coming home for Christmas."

Maybe it has become trite or maybe since 1982 it has been over-used but the sentiment holds.  Christmas is a time that calls us back to family, home, traditions and for us as Christians, church.  What we celebrate is not some romantic or sentimental idea of a baby, although who can not be moved by a baby; but the very real Incarnation of God coming to dwell among us as human beings.  It is a love so great, so overwhelming that God chooses to send forth Jesus from the Godhead and humbly walk among us as humans to show us the reality of the "kingdom of God".

Love that wonderful is more powerful than family, home, traditions or churches.  So this year, I invite you to "Come Home to God".  Whatever your reason for neglecting your relationship with God, God has never withdrawn God's self from relationship with you.  You are beloved of God.

Our Christmas Cantata will be Sunday, December 20th at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m in the Sanctuary.  On Christmas Eve we will hold a Candlelight Communion Service at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.  I invite you to "Come Home".