The object of our hope draws nigh. We wait for the Baby and the promise of his coming. Our world has always been a troubled sea. Our little boats toss and rise on the waves of life and then return to their level position, sometimes with a terrible thud. Our furniture is askew. The sail has been shredded. Our clothes are soaked and torn from the storm. We watch for the elusive promise of peace.

When MJ Aaron, Jonathon, and the much younger Old Man visited First Presbyterian Church in Carbondale, we felt welcome. It was close to time for the trimming of a massive Christmas Tree in the Narthex. The joy of Christmas beamed from the friendly faces. Soon it was time for our first Christmas Eve Service. It began at 11:00 pm. It felt like a Charles Dickens Christmas Story. I could see Tiny Tim in the corner singing with all of his yuletide heart. Pastor Richard preached like an old-time pastor in Victorian England. The historic church was packed. Then came the candlelight singing of Silent Night. An enduring Christmas Memory. There was an aura from Heaven in the Sanctuary. The permanence of Christ’s coming resonated in the words. I felt renewed and ready to welcome the Advent of the Baby.

So we wait. Not with mean or hurtful words. We wait with acceptance and appreciation for the Gift. Someone showed us the way. Not retaliation but love.

We returned to our little home in Elkville with our hearts full of the Christmas Spirit. The feelings from the Christmas Eve Service stayed with me for some time. Christ is about helping those who need help. We had found a church home. We were accepted and felt the Christmas Eve experience. The vision of Victorian England and the hope that A Christmas Carol brings to our modern world. Poinsettias and garland, nativities and wreaths adorn our little church. We need a little Christmas right this very minute more than ever. Candles at the window and in our hearts as we wait for a change of hearts and minds and our continued journey home.