Dear Church,
If you were with us last week, you may recall that I reminded us that sometimes we just don’t want to sing. Or sometimes we want to sing, but don’t have the words to sing. And still other times, we want to sing, but are just too tired and frustrated to sing. Simply put, I wanted to remind us all that sometimes this Advent season all isn’t calm and all isn’t bright and that doesn’t make you any less of a faithful follower of Jesus.
Well, I had a lot to sing about over the Thanksgiving weekend. Despite my team losing the 4th Annual East/West Classic, I did record four tackles, three receptions, one interception and managed to walk off the field without any broken bones. We also had a great time with my Aunt, Uncle and their three kids. My cousin Tyler is a stellar high school runner and I enjoyed a few nice runs with him. My Mom had prepared a serious spread of food and as my brother told me, “I had a good eat.” Throughout the holiday weekend, my Mom was beaming with joy, which I have a hunch had more to do with this being her first Thanksgiving with a grandchild. But the best part of the weekend was Friday night when my family went over to the home of one of my best friends growing up, Joe Zessin. The Zessins had three boys right around the same age as the three Waterstone boys and just as competitive. When my parents divorced, they claimed me as their fourth son. We were honored to have Joe’s parents, Dave and Jan, serve as Masters of Ceremony at our wedding. So anytime we can, we enjoy stopping over at their home for pizza and beer. It is amazing how as the years go by, the stories get better, the laughter gets louder and now as spouses and children have been added to the mix, our friendship has only strengthened.
Family is something that has been more inclusive for me. Family was taking a village to raise a child. Family meant friends and friend’s parents. I’m forever grateful to my Mom for encouraging me to develop those lasting friendships with surrogate families. And now, as I’m the parent, I can only hope and pray that Willem will one day have friendships that are as rich and life giving. Advent is a season that is synonymous with family. So much of our holiday get togethers, worship services, cookie exchanges, and Christmas brunches are experienced with family. And for some, this is a slice of heaven. For others, this is a time to just get through, rather than treasure. As kids grow and have kids of their own, new family dynamics are created. Some good, and some not so good, and in any case, they are amplified during this time of year.
So here’s what I’m thinking. If you’re reading this and find yourself in the category where family get togethers are stressful, contentious and at times even painful, my word of encouragement for you today is to create a new reality. Not by checking out and not by putting on some fake smile. But instead, try to create a new reality this Advent season. Start a new tradition. Forget about the baggage of last year. Begin with a new attitude. Look for someone that you can give a word of encouragement to. And if you’re reading this letter and find yourself in the category where family is something so dear to your heart, my word of encouragement to you is to bring on a few more “family” members. Invite the friend without family close by to your Christmas Eve tradition. Welcome the girlfriends and boyfriends and friends to the Candle Light Service at 11:00pm. Ask if a widow from Church has a place for Christmas brunch. You know you’ll have more than enough food! And if there’s any consolation in all of this, it’s that the first family was anything but the Walton’s. A few unwed teenagers, pregnant, broke, surrounded by animals and a few dingy looking shepherds. A perfect family, whatever that looks like.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Matt
