River Road Church is a great place to be all year long, but it is an especially fine place to be during the month of December. Busy? Yes. Dull? Never.
Four words describe River Road Church at Christmas—beauty, gifted, generous, and fellowship. Let me explain.
One of the enduring Christmas traditions is the decoration of our homes with lights, greens, candles and ornaments. The same takes place in our church home. Wreaths on our external doors signal to all who pass River and Ridge Roads that Christmas is spoken here. Our Sanctuary is adorned with poinsettias, baskets, and garlands. An Advent wreath helps us mark our passage through the season. Candles light the windows of our Chapel and Fellowship Hall at night. There is an elegant beauty to this home we love.
Throughout the month I witness the talent of our members and regular worshippers. This past Sunday evening our Chancel Choir presented John Rutter’s (and St. Luke’s) Magnificat. It was a splendid display of musical skill unmatched by few, if any, musical groups in our city. The cherry on top was the participatory performance of familiar carols of the season. Last night our children’s and youth choirs recreated the familiar tableau of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, and wise men. This coming Sunday and on Christmas Eve our handbell ringers will continue this musical feast.
More than once in recent weeks I have observed the generosity of our members. Last Sunday our Fellowship Offering was one of the largest of the year, enabling us to assist more people whose futures are as bleak as the Cratchit’s. Quiet acts of kindness on the part of some of our members are enabling Christmas to come to others.
Day by day our congregation has cared for one another, especially those for whom this season is more bitter than happy because of some circumstance. Beyond this caring are the parties, dinners, brunches and other social events that cement a positive, healthy fellowship among the people who participate in our church.
Only a few days remain until we gather on Christmas Eve to light the Christ candle on our Advent wreath and celebrate the birth of our Lord. Thank you for being a gifted, generous people who meet for fellowship and worship in beauty.
Merry Christmas!
Blessings,
Mike