“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” —Matthew 18:20
Our traditional family Christmas was not to be that year! Even grown children have expectations that their parents will keep the home fires burning and maintain traditions, don’t they? My stable parents had shocked the family by moving from our small Southern hometown to Orange, California. A few months after the big move, my husband, our two small children and I accepted the invitation to spend Christmas in California.
In our hometown, we had always attended the Christmas Eve candlelight service in the lovely old Methodist church. Although my parents had not yet found a California church home, my mom was determined we would all be in church on Christmas Eve. Soon, we were piled into the car, Dad driving and Mom directing. Stops at a couple of churches proved unfruitful, either no service or a midnight service. Grumbling began from the back seat with, “Shouldn’t we go back home?” Mom insisted we forge ahead!
It was getting dark when we happened upon a Lutheran church. We got out and followed a crowd into a big basketball gym with rows of folding metal chairs. The crowd grew quiet when a striking woman with a familiar face stood and began to belt out a carol. In a moment of insight, we recognized her as a soap opera star! The next soloist was a small boy singing “Away in a Manger” a bit off key and an octave too high. At this point, my composure snapped, and I began to giggle uncontrollably, but silently. Fortunately, my undignified behavior was witnessed only by my family. All in all, the service was lovely, and we were invited back by many kind folks. Our California Christmas reminded us that the welcoming spirit of Christmas is not dependent on tradition or place, but on Christ’s presence evident in a community of believers.
Dear Lord, please give us open minds and hearts to know your presence in all places and situations. Amen.
Mary Martha Allen