PASTOR DAVES’ MUSINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

December 22, 2024

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Saturday, December 14, Anita Boetsman, communications manager for the Marshall County Museum and Historical Society was the speaker at the United Methodist Men’s breakfast at Plymouth First United Methodist church. Anita shared how Christmas has been observed in Plymouth and Marshall County over the years.  When I shared with a friend at LifePlex about the program, I told him how I had asked the museum if they could provide a program on how the spirit of Christmas was alive in Marshall County. He asked me, “What was your criteria for the spirit of Christmas?”

There are a number of ways that one might define the spirit of Christmas.  Sunday, December 8 during the Sunday School hour the children practiced in the sanctuary their children’s Christmas service.  After starting the Good Samaritan Sunday school class, I joined them so that I could rehearse my part as Simeon.  I was the token adult. In the back of the sanctuary a group was busy getting packages ready to take to the schools to be distributed to children.  Saturday, December 7, the Good Samaritan class had met to wrap presents for families at the Neighborhood Center. The children’s Christmas play was a major part of the worship service on December 15.  Giving presents and children’s programs are a part of the Christmas spirit.

Music is an important part of the Christmas season.  Sunday, December 8, a combined choir from Plymouth First and Trinity United Methodist churches presented the Cantata “Come, Let Us Worship the King” by Mauldin.  Wednesday night, a brass quintet from the South Bend Symphony Orchestra brought the “Sounds of the Holidays” in a concert at Plymouth First United Methodist church.  Saturday, December 14, Diane and I traveled to the Morris Performing Arts Center in South Bend for the symphony’s “Home for the Holidays” presentation.  The guest soloist pointed out that this year the first day of Hanukkah comes on Christmas day. These are but a sampling of the musical opportunities available during this Advent season.

One of our neighbors has gone all out with their Christmas decorations.  Several others have put out lights.  This year we joined the party with a few lights.  Christmas lights are a part of the Christmas spirit.  There is one section of Plymouth that especially excels with decorating.  Cars come all over the area to see the display.   I always looked forward to the Christmas lights in the neighborhood where Diane and I lived in Kendallville.

Ever since we have been married Diane and I have used an Advent devotional.  When our boys were still at home we celebrated the four Sundays of Advent with special treats Sunday evening.  As a part of our Advent observance for many years we have used an Advent calendar with little flaps to opened.  This year pieces of chocolate were behind each flap.  There was also a reading from the Christmas story each day.  The Advent reading and the Christmas scripture reading help to keep Diane and me grounded in the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus, the Christ.

Let me know how you experience the spirit of Christmas.  Comments may be sent to davidh15503@embarqmail.com.