It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. It is hard to believe that here at the church we are busy making Christmas plans. Part of me wants to do things as I have always done them, but this gets tempered with the realization that this is going to be a Christmas unlike any other I have experienced. It seems as if many traditions have been put on hold this Christmas while we figure how to celebrate the season without a congregation being present and with as few people as possible being involved in services.

As most psychologists would tell us, we are creatures of habit, and we seek comfort in the familiar. Yet, as many of us have learned through life experience, it is when we break free of the ruts of routine that we discover new things about ourselves and our capacity to undertake all kinds of different challenges.

Fortunately, at Kamloops United Church, we have a great staff team and I want to thank everyone for helping our faith community chart its way through this uncharted Christmas. When I remember that each one of them is doing their best to provide a deeply spiritual and meaningful Christmas for Kamloops United, even as they are struggling with their own challenges of the pandemic, I think this is tremendous. As I look at the plans and preparations which are being made for the Advent and Christmas seasons, I am well aware that we are in capable hands.

One of the things I have to keep reminding myself is that this IS going to be a different Christmas, but I am going to fully embrace those things that aren’t part of my tradition and see if I can learn new ways of celebrating the birth of Jesus. Each time I catch myself saying something like, “but you’ve always done it this way before,” I am going to say “what new and inspiring things can I glean from this.” And…I am thankful that I have so many great fellow travelers on the journey with me at this time.

Blessings for Advent,

Michael.