Chapel Chimes December 2023
How Does a Weary World Rejoice? By Rev. Rhonda Blevins
O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth; Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn; Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices! O night divine! O night when Christ was born. This favorite Christmas carol has an interesting history. A Jewish composer wrote the hymn tune, while a French poet, an atheist, wrote the text. It’s almost as if the story of Christmas transcends the boundaries of ethnicity and even belief! And that’s what I love about this time of year. People who have little use for church or faith will decorate a Christmas tree, exchange Christmas presents, enjoy a Christmas dinner, and even sing a Christmas carol. Why? Because somewhere deep within, we all need Christmas. Christmas helps this weary world find a reason to rejoice! With that, I hope you’ll plan to join us this Advent as we prepare the way of the Lord and consider
the question, “How does a weary world rejoice?” Here are some things I’m looking forward to at the Chapel this Advent and Christmas season: Lunch With Santa, Dec. 10: This year, we’ve invited foster families to join us, so we’re expecting a record attendance! We need lots of help as we extend our amazing Chapel hospitality! Read more inside. Carols By Candlelight, Dec. 18: Director of Music, Brent Douglas, and our Chapel Choir have been working hard for a beautiful evening of Christmas music followed by a wine and cheese reception. Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: We’ll only have evening services this day at 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm, and it will be worth the wait! A string quartet and candlelight will be a beautiful way to welcome the Christ Child, once again, into our hearts. I hope you can join us as we turn our hearts’ attention to welcome the Christ Child during this special season. Merry Christmas!
Love & light,
RevBlev