Keeping the Christmas Lights

 

 On Our family was so excited for the new adventure of life in St. Louis when we moved to Ballwin a little over five years ago. The Claymont neighborhood felt like the ideal place to raise a young family, and the proximity to the church was a huge bonus. I have to admit feeling a little perplexed when Halloween came around, and there were very few trick-or-treaters coming to our door. December brought cold winds and long nights, but there weren’t many houses lit up for the holidays. A lot can change in five years, and there’s a new energy in Claymont. The neighborhood association is much more active and is sponsoring a Christmas lights competition again this year. There will be a special event on Saturday, December 17 from 5:30-7:30 PM in our lower parking lot with food trucks and voting on the holiday lights. 

The many houses lit up for the holidays reminds me of a story I recently read. In his book, Lord, It Has Been One of Those Days, Bob Brown tells of a pastor who visited an elderly blind lady who was a member of his church. It was during the Christmas season, and he noticed that the Christmas tree in her house was brightly decorated with lights and ornaments. 

He said to her, “Do you do this every year?” “Yes,” she replied, “this is one of the big things I do. I always look forward to it. My nephew always goes out and gets a Christmas tree, then together we get the Christmas decorations and decorate the tree.” 

The pastor thought to himself, A blind woman with a brightly lighted Christmas tree? He then indicated to her that he did not want to be offensive, but he could not quite understand why a blind woman would want to have a brightly decorated tree and lights in the window. 

The dear little lady tilted her head towards him and said, “Pastor, everybody is not blind.” The Halloween candy is never just for the homeowner. The Christmas lights we put up are for everyone to enjoy. 

St. Mark opens its doors for members and guests alike to experience the love of Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encourages us, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NRSV.) The days are getting colder and the nights are getting longer, but we’re going to keep the lights on so everybody knows they’re home at St. Mark.

 In Hope and Confidence, 

Pastor Dave