The Lucknow Sentinel, 1996-12-25, Page 28cknow S,
I444*444t444A4441 Luentinel
Christmas season -the real miracle
by Rev. Ron Luchies
Lucknow Christian Reformed Church
It doesn't lit. It's not going to tit. And, what's more, 1
am beginning to suspect it's not supposed to fit. We
might compare Christmas to a single candle burning
against the darkness, ora rose blooming in the dead of
winter, or maybe a lush vegetable garden surrounded on
all sides by barren wilderness. Better yet, imagine a
newborn baby's cry echoing through the quiet halls of a
retirement home. •
Christmas doesn't fit into our world. We try, of
course, to squeeze it in alongside other end -of -the -year
responsibilities. We attempt to house it within our cele-
bration and worship and gift -giving. But somehow that
never happens. Like an oversized book that refuses to be
shoved into the shelf, or a greeting card that is simply
too big for the envelope -we've addressed, Chrristmas
stands apart!
At this point, two very different responses offer them-
selves.
We can smile and pretend we don't see the problem.
Many are happy to stay on the surface of life and dis-
miss whatever surprise or discomfort Christmas brings.
Usually we can silence the nagging questions. Usually
we can journey through this season mouthing our super-
ficial blessings and singing our familiar carols. Usually
we can keep our hearts and minds untouched by the
wonder, and therefore safe.
We can smile, or we can complain. You and I can
become Scrooge -like persons who offer the world our
litany of grumbling. Centering on the demands and diffi-
culties of the holidays can offer a strange camaraderie.
All of us know the overcrowding and overspending and
overeating involved. We feel the push to decorate and
shop and bake and visit anti feast. We make our
timetable. We planour schedule. We carry out our oblig-
ations. But there's always more. Another card. Another
gift. Another visit. Another cookie. More becomes much
and then too much. And the grumbling begins.
There is a third possibility. It's risky and it's not very
popular, but it is an available option. We can be honest
about the discomfort of this season, and allow it to call
us toward wakefulness. We can dare to name our experi-
ence one of grace and truth. And in the naming enter
into a deeper and richer reality that will surely sharpen
our celebration.
Christmas will not be tamed. It cannot be domesticat-
ed. It is not affordable or workable or wrapable. Always,
there is spill-over. That's because this season is holy
ground.
God is wonderfully at work intersecting, interrupting,
and inconveniencing us. At heart, Christmas is about the
wild touch of God. He gives His one and only Son to us!
And He does so, not because we've been good boys and
girls this past year, not because 'somehow He owed us
and was pressed into extravagance. God gives us the gift
of His Son because He loves us. He gives in response to
our terrible woundedness. He gives to bring healing and
wholeness and peace. To allow such a God space in our
lives; to allow such love a home in our hearts, is to make
room for the real miracle of this Christmas season. And
that Means discomfort and danger. Old ways will no
longer satisfy. Old loves will no longer ring true. Old
lives will no longer fit...
"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him
the name Jesus, because He will save His people from
their sins." Matthew 1:21.
Mrs. Claus and elves cheer up
Santa on Christmas eve
by Gr. 3, St. Joseph's
"Twas the night before
Christmas.
The story was, told,
When our dear friend
Santa
Was feeling a bit old.
Mrs..Claus came run-
ning down the stairs to see
what was the matter. Santa
said, "It seems to be get-
ting colder each year to
make the trip. I think I'll
stay home and let the
elves take the trip.".
Mrs-. Claus said, "Let's
sing our Christmas song.
That should make you feel
We're happy to be of
service to the folks in your
area and wish you
safe driving this holiday
& always!
HAMM'S
CAR SALES LTD.
Blyth 523-4342
better." They began to
sing: "Me. Chinese, 'Me
your,wife, Me sing you a
song tonight, It willmake
you feel alright."
Santa was feeling much
better. He said, "I can't let
all those children down. I
have to load the sleigh and
make the trip myself."
When Santa went to
hitch the reindeer,
Rudolph's nose was not
very bright. Santa said,
"Elves, go get a flashlight
in case Rudolph's nose
loses its light."
Santa was ready for the
trip. As soon as he got up
in the sky, the batteries
went out because they
were not using Energizer
batteries. Santa's reindeers
could not pull the load
without Energizer batter-
ies so the sleigh carne
down with a crash! Santa
went into the house beside
him and he found some
'Energizer batteries. He put
them in the reindeer,
Rudolph's nose and the
flashlight _and then they
started going and going
and going and going...
It was a happy
Christmas.
Thanks for
your continued
business.
CLOSED 12:00 noon DEC. 24
Re -open 8:00 A.M. Dec. 30
CLOSED 12:00 noon DEC. 31
Re -open 8:00 A.M. Jan. 2
Emergency service will be provided as usual
Cliff's Plumbing and Heating
LUCKNOW 528-3913
Holiday, Photo Tip
Start Early--- Let's face
it, the holiday season is
much more than what
occurs on Christmas Eve
or the eight days of
Hanukkah. To truly chron-
icle your family's special
moments, begin taking
,photos on the first shop-
ping expedition or when
dad makes a trip to the
tree farm. And don't stop
when Christmas is over ---
unexpected shots of the
wrapping paper strewn on
the floor or everyone
watching the football
game in the den are part .of.
the personal memories
that helprdocument the
season in its entirety.
Wednesday, December 25, 1996 — Page 7A
'We wish you ►
Many Christinas
moments of li)v(
Thanks for your
friendship & trust
Iircatim /CaA
LUC1iNOW
BOARDING KENNELS
J
:._.itiik 528-3525
8
4,
Ghristmas `Detigtits
Wishing oil our patrons
o tasteful and terrific
holiday season!
Russ, Mary,
Sherri, Lorene,
Andrea, Mary,
Kristi & Anita
Mary's
Family
Restaurant
528-3309
SEASON'S GREETINGS
Hope your holiday is built
to order!
ERIC STEWART
CONSTRUCTION
Lucknow 528-2003
Greeting you at Christmas with sincere wishes for a joyous time.
Thanks for your continued 'patronage.
Happy:111411-- 11%--L--\t41-11‘41‘'
Holidays
manimail
from
J1iJ 17:
Management
& Staff Lucknow
11DJACd IctlaA) 1T.Da
• 529-7627