Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ,

I am looking forward to Christmas this year.  Over the past three years, I have postponed sending Christmas cards, buying Christmas gifts and putting up Christmas decorations until the last minute, and sometimes doing the bare minimum.  This year, I can hardly contain my desire to decorate.

About a month ago, I ordered a Christmas doorbell.  Right now, I have it on a normal ring but when the time is right, I can flip the switch and hear Christmas music playing every time someone rings my doorbell.  I am so excited about this that I am even wondering how I can get people to come to my house so I can hear it ring.  I would turn it on now but that would drive John crazy and maybe my dogs, as well.

In addition, I have bought new lights for the front porch and battery operated candles to put in my windows.  I may even bring some to Farmingville.  I have done this in the past at other churches and there is just something about driving by a church and seeing candles flickering in its windows.

More importantly, I am excited to share this Christmas with YOU!

Decorating, buying gifts and sending cards are important and they get us into the spirit of Christmas but does it prepare us for the coming Messiah?  Is this something we only do at
Christmastime?

“Beware; keep alert, for you do not know when the time will come.”
Mark 13:33

We celebrate the coming into the world of Jesus as an infant on Christmas Day but now we await his return and we do not know when that will be.  In anticipation, we must be prepared, remain faithful and be willing to take risks.

The best way to remain prepared is to spend time with God on a regular basis through prayer, Bible Study and through the worship and praise of our Savior.  Another way is to see
everyone as if they are Christ, whether it is at church, the workplace or out around town.  Greet everyone with a smile and a handshake.  Let them feel welcome.  When you show someone that you are happy to see him or her, it makes him or her feel loved and appreciated.  This will also help spread the JOY of the season and we all need more JOY in our lives.  I am looking forward to greeting you this Advent and Christmas season!

May the JOY of Christmas brighten your days and nights!

I thank God for you,

Rev. Kathy Nealand

Interim Pastor

Congregational United Church of Christ, 335 Horseblock Road, Farmingville, NY 11738 – CUCCF@optonline.net

Worship services at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. every Sunday