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"Holiday Beginnings”
If you know anyone obsessed with the Holiday Season, don’t be surprised if they seem a little different this week. This is Thanksgiving week, which means the official beginning of the Holidays is upon us.
What does it mean for you and me? I should probably write something theologically deep and reflective for everyone else, but this is the Holidays, and I'm certain this week is supposed to be about me. So, in celebration of my selfishness, I’ll just tell you what this week brings to me.
First, Thanksgiving is finally here, which means good food with my Chapel family. Who else will it include? Lots of people. The annual meal brings lots of people from the community who just need a place to go. I love it! That’s the way it should be. Everyone should be invited, and indeed, they are! I hope you are planning to join us Thanksgiving Day, 1 pm, for great food and blessings for all!
Second, after this Thursday, it’s all about Christmas. Sure, there are plenty of other important days and occasions on the calendar, but for the vast majority of our population, it’s Christmas or bust. You can include me in that generalization. Worship will include what you expect, namely, Christmas with excellence across the board. Every Sunday in Advent, Christmas Eve, and the two Sundays of Christmas: I wouldn’t miss any of them. In fact, I won’t miss them, but not because it’s my job. It’s gonna be awesome. I’ll be there and I’ll want you to be there with me!
Third, the beginning of the Holidays means that my own Christmas decorations will begin to make their appearance in my home. My own lights, not everyone else’s. My own tree, ornaments, and everything else. Yes, I will obtain a real tree from the local box store, as big as my home can handle. It’s time to start rummaging through my storage boxes and pulling out my favorite stuff!
Fourth, Christmas Devotions are about to begin. Beginning on Sunday, November 30, I’ll start writing a new devotion each day, in an attempt to get me ready for Christmas (and bring you along in the process.) It seems to help, so if you’re not on that email list, get me your email (revbrock@longboatislandchapel.org) and I’ll include you in the distribution as well. Again, daily Christmas devotions will begin hitting your email boxes (also our website and Facebook) at 7 am (EST) each day!
Finally, Christmas in the Garden officially opens on Sunday evening, November 30. The gardens at the Chapel are breathtaking, decorated from end to end with Holiday delight. We are open throughout the daytime and every evening from 5 to 9 pm from November 30 to December 31. Nine concerts highlight the season, all beginning at 6 pm. Then, the garden parties conclude with a final concert and special New Year’s Eve party that has become a favorite on Longboat Key.
Where will you be as the Holidays begin? I know where I’ll be, at the Chapel! I hope to see you there!
God Bless,
Brock
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