Preparing for the service Sunday, I read again words from Psalm 19 (which we will also read at the beginning of worship): “The heavens are telling the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of God’s hands… their voice goes out through all the earth.” While Luke has the story of Mary, the angels, and shepherds watching their flocks by night, Matthew has the story of Star and Magi. In Matthew, the sky itself was preaching God’s message. The Creation was pointing the Magi to something new happening. A star, a shimmer in the night sky was enough to send them searching for God’s new work in the world. 

Advent is full of different kinds of lights: candles, string lights, halos in nativity scenes, and stars on treetops. But the true invitation of this season isn’t simply to look at the lights, but to follow THE Light of the World. This is the Light that pulls forward in faith, widens our hope, and reminds us that even in dark seasons, God is still guiding, still speaking, still revealing new paths. I hope this week that we can notice the ways God is shining, quietly and peacefully, in our lives. May we look up, and look inward, to find a shimmer of hope that draws us to God and our neighbors. 

A working clock! 

If you take a walk by the Campbell Room this Sunday (room right by the kitchen), take a moment to look up at the clock. I don’t know when the last time it was working, but Vince Meier and Ron Scala took it upon themselves to investigate. They found a local repairman in Hiram who did a wonderful job and now the clock is ticking again. The repairman said it was a beautiful, well-made clock likely from the 1870s…and still works like a charm. A big thank you to Vince and Ron for noticing, caring, and making sure it got working again. 

The Sunday of Joy this week
Come worship with us as we celebrate the Joy of Christ breaking into the world. Joy is not always loud but is often a steady glow. Typically we don’t explore the story of the Magi during Advent (usually we save that for Epiphany in early January), but this year we will take a look and learn from this beautiful story. 

MCCC Christmas Party — This Sunday, 1–4pm
Everyone is welcome! Bring a small dish to share and, if you’d like to join our annual gift exchange, bring a hand-made gift (whether made by you or someone else). We always have a great time! 

Sunday, December 21st — Love Sunday
A beautiful day in the life of our church when there is a lot going one! 

• Children’s Christmas Pageant — All children are invited to participate during the service! Every kid can wear a costume and join in the fun.  (thank you, Smile Team for reorganizing them!).
• Cookie Sunday — As the Delaney family’s way of giving thanks for the gift this church has been to us, we’ll be baking a ton of cookies and truffles to share with all of you. We love you all! 
• Longest Night Service at 6pm — This is our annual gentle, comforting service for anyone carrying grief, heaviness, or tender hearts this season. Join us as we make sacred space to breathe and be held by God’s peace. All are welcome. 

As we continue our Advent journey, may we follow the One who still shines through creation, through community, and through the small joys that illuminate our lives.

God’s Peace and Joy be with you!

Pastor Chad