Keeping Christmas & Easter Holy
by Betsey Heavner
How many times have you, as a church leader, vowed "this year, the holidays will be different"? How many times have you, as an individual growing in faith, vowed "this year, it will be different"? I'm writing in September, just a few days after the tragic events in New York and Washington, D.C., and many voices are saying "now the whole world is different."
Two thousand years ago, the world was turned upside down. The events in Bethlehem, and 33 years later in Jerusalem, did not have the immediate impact and reaction that our September 11 events had because communication was much different then than it is today. As I read again in Acts (Lessons 6-10 in FaithQuest), it is with the new perspective that comes from the world-changing events of September 11, 2001. In Acts 2:43, everyone was in awe — all the wonders and signs! I suspect there was also a lot of confusion, fear, and misunderstanding! Those who chose to focus their attention on God followed a daily discipline of worship, celebratory meals, and praise. And the people were together in community.
Following the events of September 11, people are experiencing a strong need to be together, to connect with family and strangers as we grieve, remember, and face the future. Truly, this year the holidays will be different. Will you focus on God in the midst of the world and holiday confusion?
The articles in this month's newsletter, written by staff at the General Board of Discipleship, help us think about worship.
Betsey Heavner (bheavner@gbod.org) is Director of FaithQuest at The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, Nashville, Tennessee.
Worship: Keeping a Strong Center & an Open Door