The whole pew
This Christmas is a bit more disjointed than most in the past. We just celebrated a week early with our children and grandchildren in Dothan. We all gathered at our daughter’s home where Elizabeth and Grant hosted and fed everyone there.
Our other daughter, Catherine, and her family from Bainbridge, Georgia joined us. The overflow crowd enjoyed some time in the local Doubletree Hotel, while all the grandchildren played inside and outside of the house for hours on end.
The table in Elizabeth’s home was just large enough for everyone to sit around and share stories of Christmas past and present. One of my greatest joys is seeing our four grandchildren make memories together, just as our cousins did so many years ago. I hope they are still sharing these times 60 years later with their cousins as Mary Lou and I do.
We gathered for church at First Presbyterian Church of Dothan where our family took up an entire pew. I was struck by the significance of that moment. First it is hard to get everyone together, particularly on a Sunday, and to set aside the time for everyone to worship together. It takes effort on everyone’s part but is so wonderful to have our family in church together.
I was also struck by the many ways we have worshipped over the years. Different denominations in different locations. Blessed to have our faith expanded by the different religions of our extended family. This season brings us together in ways we may not expect reinforcing that God’s love is big enough for all of us.
Hearing the age-old story of Christmas in a church that is not our own reminds me that hearing the word in different locations and from different ministers causes us to pay attention, perhaps more than normal. Today I listened to every word, making sure I caught every twist and turn from a minister I have only heard once before. I left feeling full and satisfied. The hope, joy, peace and love of the season was present in every thought and prayer.
On Christmas Day, Mary Lou and I will join my sister, brother and their mates for a Christmas Dinner with my Mom. I have been trying to think how long it has been since she shared Christmas Day with just her children and their spouses. It should be a special day for her and for all of us.
In the meantime, I hope that wherever and however you celebrate and worship this season, your pew will be full, and your joy will be boundless.
Merry Christmas.
o0o
Dan Ponder can be reached at [email protected]