But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19
It was Christmas Eve, approximately 23
years ago. Our house was decorated and
our traditional Christmas Eve preparations were ready for our family and
friends that had been gathering at our home for the past 20 years. That was a miracle!
Both of our sons were home from college and
it just happened that our youngest had no plans, so I suggested we go to our
church for the Christmas Eve service. I
knew this year’s service was going to be different - it was “come and go” as a
family. We arrived at the church and
entered the sanctuary that had been our church home since Charles was 2 years
old. It was as comfortable to us as our
living room - the Chrismon tree (a Christmas tree decorated with ornaments of
Christian symbols) was glowing and soft music was playing. We sat together on a pew and mediated and
offered our love and thanks.
Together we approached the altar for
communion. Our pastor was such a dear,
holy man. As we knelt, he approached us
and placed his hands on our shoulders and prayed the most beautiful and
heartfelt prayer. He then offered us the
bread and the cup. As I knelt there, I
had a holy connection with Mary and sensed the love that she had for her son Jesus
was very much like what I had for my two sons.
I treasured having this holy moment with my youngest. Each of my senses was touched that evening, along
with my heart.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your
faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love!
Sandra Jones and her husband Ralph have been attending Cove
Church since 2002. She has served in many areas over the past 12 years,
including Student Ministry, First Impressions, and Women’s Ministry. She is also a delegate to the United
Methodist Annual Conference.
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