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Beyond the Tree
It is Monday morning, and “The Tree” stands empty as I sit alone in the sanctuary of Snyder Memorial Baptist Church. The lights are no longer illuminated, and people no longer stand upon it. A special sentimental silence settles in as I remember the four “Trees” I’ve been part of and the choirs and concerts of my past, especially my childhood and youth. All year, we look forward to this month and this “Tree,” and in this moment I feel a deep sense of gratitude for God’s blessing on Snyder and our church’s work well done, especially so for Richard Suggs, Sara Barefoot and the army of singers, musicians, ushers, hospitality workers, parking lot attendants, as well as the outstanding AV technology team.
So many lyrics linger in my mind, but one rings in my soul this morning—”The Work of Christmas”:
When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
The work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken, …
to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.
Outside my office are paper ornaments with prayer requests—some heartbreaking. One, in a child’s handwriting: “I wish my dad comes back.” Yes, I will pray for that. Will you join me?
In the coming months, we will have opportunities to pray for every person represented on these ornaments. We will share these moments as they come.
Praying for those dealing with brokenness and longing for peace is the work of Christmas. Your invitation to someone God places in your path—even in July—is the work of Christmas. Your service each Sunday, your participation in “Operation In As Much Blitz Day,” and your kindness to the people who serve you each day—these are the work of Christmas. In every act of prayer, invitation, service, and kindness, we are Displaying Christ-like love so that someone else might Discover God and Develop a faith strong enough for the burdens they have asked us to carry with them.
May we look forward to doing The Work of Christmas through the remainder of this month and the entirety of the New Year.
Looking forward,
Blake
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