The Kitchen Sink
An occasional piece of paper
December 24, 2007
Vol. 10 no. 48

Everything But...
           How to Do Christmas Eve:
           Be Ready to Sing: No sense holding back, or being embarrassed about your voice, no excuses. These are the songs that are supposed to be sung, and tonight’s the night. And, these are not quaint traditional songs, but dangerous ditties because the words intend to change your life.
           Look Out for Animals: (7:00 p.m.) Watch where you step! There are animals all over the place to fill the creche. At least, most of them will be safely wrapped in white paper in a big box awaiting their discovery and release and relocation by our children.
           Burn Those Candles: Very carefully, of course. Candles are light in the darkness of our sanctuary, and a bold, but tiny light in the darkness of our world and of our lives. Look how bright it is when many are lit at once. Please don’t set the straw in the creche on fire!
           Expect the Unexpected: You never know what might happen on a night like this. Don’t sit back, assuming you know. Be on the edge of your pew, for all kinds of songs and music, movements and gestures, words and prayers may strike you as unusual. There may be unexpected emotions, unexpected joy, unexpected faith.
           Nobody Doesn’t Eat: (10:30 p.m.) When our family eats, everyone is invited. Children, strangers, sinners, no church, unchurched - we want to make it clear that this meal is not intended to exclude you, but to feed you. When we eat together, something remarkable happens. Jesus knew that and ate with anybody willing to sit down with him. All we ask is that you come down to the front of the sanctuary when advised by the deacons.
           Blessed be the Newborn Who today made humanity young again.