The Judea Journal. The First Congregational Church of Washington, Connecticut. By the Rev. Cheryl Anderson, Pastor

Transcription

1 The Judea Journal The First Congregational Church of Washington, Connecticut Celebrating the Return of the Light By the Rev. Cheryl Anderson, Pastor The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. Isaiah 9.2 All this month, days continue to get shorter and the nights longer until the light begins its return after the solstice on the 21 st. Christians started celebrating the birth of Christ at the winter solstice sometime after the Emperor Constantine made Christianity the Calendar, Upcoming Events and Birthdays on Pages 6-7 Christmas Memorials Christmas Memorials (Below) official Roman Religion. We don t actually know what time of year Jesus was born. Neither did Constantine; but for Christians, Jesus symbolizes the coming of the light into the world. The gospel writers quoted Isaiah s prophecy, The people who live in deepest darkness have seen a great light, to describe their experience of Christ. Jesus was a wisdom teacher and a God-person -who-transcended-death so the birth of Christ belongs at this time of year when the light begins to return and life begins to Stewardship Message - Pg 11 Continued, page 2 Missions News and Opportunities Page 4 Remember your loved ones who have passed or honor/celebrate someone or something for whom/ which you are grateful with a Christmas memorial this year. The Meeting House decorations for the Advent and Christmas season will include poinsettias, wreaths and wrapped packages that represent gifts of food and shelter. The latter two will provide food to our neighbors in need in Washington or room at the Winchester Shelter in Winsted, CT. The contributions given for food and received by Sunday, December 7, will be combined with donations from others in town to help fill many of the holiday baskets assembled by community volunteers. Donations for food received after that time will be given to other food-related charities. The gifts of shelter are symbolic of the shelter Continued on page 9 Dec 1-7 pm Grace Fellowship Dec 7-10:00 am Worship Svc* Dec 8-7 pm Grace Fellowship Dec 14-10:00 am Worship Svc* Dec 15-7 pm Grace Fellowship Dec 21-10:00 am Worship Svc* Dec 21-6:00 pm Service of Comfort and Peace Dec 22-7 pm Grace Fellowship Dec 24-5:30 pm Lessons & Carols 10:00 pm Candlelight Lessons & Carols Dec 28-10:00 am Carol Sing Dec 29-7 pm Grace Fellowship * Sunday School and Childcare Available In this issue: Announcements, Misc 6 Birthdays 6 Calendar 7 Christian Education 5 Council s Corner 3 Deaconate 3 From the Pastor 1 Inspiration 12 Memorials Steeple 9 Memorials Christmas 1 Missions & Outreach 4 Music Ministry 6 Stewardship Message 11 Sunday Morning Support 8 Upcoming Events 6

2 From the Pastor (continued (Continued from from page page 1) 1) transcend the death of winter. For humans, light often symbolizes the divine. We use candles to symbolize the presence of God. The two candles on the communion table every Sunday symbolize the two Sabbath commandments to observe the Sabbath and to honor the Sabbath. In our everyday speech we use light symbolism. As we approach the end of a difficult time, we see light at the end of the tunnel. When we are excited about something, we say that our eyes light up. In cartoons, a light bulb appears over someone s head when they have an idea. Brides on their wedding day are always radiant. In tough times, we are reminded that it s always darkest just before the dawn or it has to be dark to see the stars. We all know it is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness. When we clear up confusion about something we shed light on it. When we understand something in a new way we are seeing it in a new light. So, in addition to light symbolizing the spirit or the divine; light symbolizes hope, insight, joy, wisdom, appreciation, understanding, courage, a fresh start and newness of life. That is why we celebrate Jesus birth near the solstice. I recently bought a new pillar candle and the label on the bottom warned never to leave a lit candle unattended. Good spiritual advice. Always attend to the light and carry it with you wherever you go. In the midst of this busy holiday season, I invite you to attend to the light by joining in worship on Sunday and taking home an Advent devotional which are available in the office or at the back of the church. Carry the light with you to join in our intergenerational Wrapping for Humanity volunteer effort at the Danbury Mall on December 7 th. We will, again this year, offer an evening Service of Comfort and Peace, on December 21 st. If you know someone for whom the holidays will be difficult this year, bring them to this peaceful and hopeful candlelight service. At our 5:30pm Christmas Eve service this year, the children will once again help us tell the story through lessons and carols and lighten up as we distribute the Christmas oranges. At the 10:00 service we will once again pass the light from candle to candle as we await the coming of the light of Christ. Advent begins on November 30 th this year. Each week, we will be lighting one additional candle to symbolize the hope, peace, joy, and love that the coming one represents. I hope you will join us and bring a friend. A Christmas Challenge In many countries, December 26 is Boxing Day. The name might come from the alms boxes set out in churches to collect money for the needy, especially on St. Stephen s Day, which is December 26. The name also likely comes from the old British custom of employers giving Christmas boxes to servants or tradesmen the day after Christmas. The boxes might include money, presents and leftovers from a Christmas feast. Because servants and others would have worked on Christmas, they were given the day after as a holiday to spend with their own family. In 1994, the year apartheid ended in South Africa, the country renamed December 26 Day of Goodwill. Writes Martie Coetser at HubPages (2013): Just a day after Christmas, when friends and relatives exchange gifts of all sorts and Christians celebrate the gift of Jesus Christ, the Day of Goodwill comes like a challenge. What are you willing to give not in order to get rid of the things you don t want, or to kill your feelings of guilt, but to show goodwill coming from the depth of your heart? Page 2 The Judea Journal

3 The Council s Corner Rev. Cheryl Anderson, Pastor Anne-Marie Davenport, Minister of Pastoral Outreach, Sunday School Teacher Patricia Nicholas, Organist and Choir Director Karen Esslinger, Admin. Assistant Al Trowbridge, Sexton Ministers: All the Members Pastor Cheryl works Sundays through Thursdays. Daily schedule varies based on congregational needs. It is best to call for an appointment. Church Office Hours Karen - Mondays and Wednesdays, 1 pm 5:30 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 am 1:30 pm Susan J - Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays 1 pm 5:30 pm Council Members Cheryl P. Anderson, Pastor , ext 11 Michael Gorra, Moderator, Phil Farmer, Vice-Moderator/ Stewardship, Susan Jahnke, Treasurer, Henrietta Small and Peter Armstrong, Co-Clerks, OPEN, Christian Ed Lee Parsons, Trustees, Wayne Hileman, Deacons, John Turner and Annie Baur, Missions, (JT) ; (AB) Trish Grinnell, Music & Drama, (TG) John Geoghan, Finance, Karen Esslinger, Ch. Growth/Vitality, (860) or congreg.church@snet.net Call to Congregational Meeting Agenda: Quarterly Meeting Schedule January 4 March 29 (Palm Sunday) Sunday, January 4 11:00 AM, in Wersebe Hall, Immediately following the Worship Service Approval of minutes from October 5th Quarterly Mee ng Council Reports from all Chairs Addi onal agenda items to be specified in later December in bulle ns and website announcement See you there! Henrietta Small and Peter Armstrong (Co-clerks) ANNUAL MEETING June 28 The Diaconate is responsible for the worship, hospitality, and pastoral care of the church. If you have any questions or issues regarding these areas of our life together, please contact any of the following people. Board of Deacons: Wayne Hileman ( ), Head Deacon Anne-Marie Davenport ( ) Judie Gorra ( ) Sue Elliott ( ) Cara Michalski ( ) Dan ( ) Susan Loyd Turner ( ) John Minnis ( ) Terri Tibbatts ( ) Ellen Willert ( ) Page 3

4 Missions and Outreach - Opportunities to serve are all around us. Annie Baur ( ) or John Turner ( ), Missions Co-Chairs Toys for Salvation Army Giving Tree are due back by December 7 All tags are out to members and friends of this congregation to supply toys for Salvation Army. Please be sure to return to the church office or bring to the Sunday service in the Meeting House on December 7 so they can be dedicated during the service. These toys are made available to qualifying families at a fraction of the cost so they can select and wrap toys to give to their children on Christmas. Because of this, toys should not be wrapped but may be presented in a gift bag. We have been donating an incredible amount of food to the New Milford Food Bank! As of mid-november, we have delivered 535# of food and personal care items. This is more than 11 times the amount delivered the previous fiscal year to date and about 4 times the amount delivered the year before around the same time. Thank you SO much as empty shelves mean empty stomachs. There are more opportunities for giving this Advent with our Christmas Memorials that are included in the Christmas Eve bulletins. Please see page 9 for an order form. Memorials can be selected for Food (Social Services holiday baskets for those in need in Washington, or other food-related charities), Shelter (Winchester Homeless Shelter in Winsted), or poinsettias. Our next Loaves and Fishes will be Thursday, January 29, There is a signup sheet already on the bulletin board in Wersebe Hall. Get a jump on things and sign up now. Also, if you are interested in serving, there is advanced sign up for several service dates. We ll remind you when it gets closer. The Harvest Dinner on November 15 was a great success! The food and service was outstanding as usual and the army of volunteers who came together to prepare the feast was even more efficient than usual. The total receipts for the night was about $3,000. Expenses have for food supplies have not come in yet, so a net amount to be donated to the Torrington Friends in Service to Humanity is not available at this time. Intergenerational Faith Practice - Opportunities to practice your faith! On November 23, we again had some intergenerational fun during coffee hour when members gave thought to the gifts they have and how they might use them to contribute to this church community. Then we used markers and craft supplies to create images that represent those gifts. Is your gift represented on the mural? If not, we invite you to add it the next time you are in Wersebe Hall. Saturday, December 6 we will be Wrapping for Humanity (For ages teen through adult) Members of our church and friends will be wrapping gifts at Macy s in the Danbury Mall to benefit Habitat for Humanity from 9 am to noon, then will all gather together for lunch at the food court. You only have until December 1 to sign up and get us your completed volunteer waiver. For more information on this or other intergenerational activities, contact Kim Gasco at kimberly.gacso@boehringer-ingelheim.com or Page 4 The Judea Journal

5 Christian Education: Monthly Topic is Stewardship SUNDAY SCHOOL 12/7 - Hope & Love theme - sign and send cards to shut-ins/ special members & friends of the church. 12/14 - Joy theme - make paper chain with all of our joys. 12/21 - Peace - I found really cute wooden nativity ornaments for the kids to decorate and take home. 12/28 - Carol sing - No Sunday School Youth Group The next Youth Group meeting will be on Sunday, December 28. The youth group had a wonderful Halloween party in October. Pumpkins were carved, decorations were hung for the nursery school to enjoy, games were played (bobbing for apples and mummy races!) and the costumes were fantastic! In November we plan to meet on the 30th at 5pm for our normally scheduled meeting. Anyone grades 6-12 who are in town and available over the holiday weekend are welcome and encouraged to join us for a post-thanksgiving frenzy! The First Congregational Church of Washington's Youth Group is for grades 6-12 and all are welcome! We meet on the last Sunday of every month from 5-7 pm at the Parish House. Every meeting involves a group discussion focusing on the current month's faith practice, food, games, and much more. If you have any questions, please contact Emelie Samuelson ( ), samuelson.emelie@gmail.com, or the Church office: ( ). Adult Spiritual Practice Grace Fellowship - Monday Group Medita on and Spiritual Prac ce Last year we marked the season of Advent meditating by candlelight. We found it very peaceful and a good way to settle us during this busy time of year for people of all faiths and traditions. This year, we will return to this practice. Grace Fellowship is a group of people dedicated to maintaining a conscious contact with God through prayer and mediation. Each week we gather together to join each other on the spiritual journey of life offering support and fellowship to all. Come join us on Monday nights at 7:00 PM in the parlor in the parish hall Questions? Call the church office or Anne-Marie Davenport amedavenport@yahoo.com. Advent Candle Lighting On each Sunday during Advent, one of our families begins the service by lighting the Advent wreath candle for that week and reading a special liturgy. The following families will participate in that devotional this month. November 30 - The Evans Family December 7 - The Michalski-Lewis Family December 14 - The Family December 21- The Vengrove Family Please contact the church office or Pastor Cheryl if your family would like to participate on either of the open Sundays or Christmas Eve. Page 5

6 Miscellaneous Announcements Men s Breakfast is on Saturday, Dec 6 at 7 am in Wersebe Hall. All men are welcome! Music Ministry News Help us welcome our new organist team: Jesse and Ilana Ofgang. They are a brother and sister team who will be sharing the organ bench, and bringing in many varied offerings in music, including their voices, irish pipes, bagpipes, harp. We will be ringing the handbells and the choir will be singing. The children will be enlivening our service in Advent. Please come enjoy this special time of year. C H R I S T M A S E V E S E R V I C ES W E D N E S D A Y, D E C E M B E R : 3 0 p m & C A N D L E L I G H T S E R V I C E A T 1 0 : 0 0 p m Comfort and Peace Christmas Service Feeling sad and lonely this holiday season? Or maybe a little blue? Perhaps this year it is not the season of joy and something feels just "not quite right" or "the way it used to be". Come join the First Congregational Church in Washington on Sunday, December 21st at 6:00 PM as we gather together in a service of comfort and peace during this Christmas Season. Refreshments and fellowship to follow the service in the church hall. Concert on New Years Day, January 1 the New Baroque Soloists with Doug Meyers, Artistic Director, and sponsored by the Washington Friends of the New Baroque Soloists, will be having another New Years Day concert at 4 PM in the Meeting House, followed by a reception in Wersebe Hall. Tickets and more information are available at: December Birthdays 1... Steven Cornell 2... Sarah Bronson 7... Sue Elliott, Ferris Gorra 8... Iaslyn Lewis Please let us know if we missed anyone so that we may update our database!! Contact Karen at (860) December Birthdays Pastor Cheryl 29..., Gregory Kraft Colin Loyd Page 6 The Judea Journal

7 Nov 30 ADVENT 1 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 10:00 AM- Worship Service Advent Wreath Workshop w/pastor Cheryl 5:00 PM Youth Group 1 11 AM - Bereavement Group 7 PM - Grace Fellowship 2 9:30 AM - AA 6:30 PM NB Divorce Support 3 10:00 AM - Bible Study :00 AM AA 6:00 PM NB Pot Luck Dinner 6 7:00 AM - Men s Breakfast 7 ADVENT 2 10:00 AM- Worship Service with Communion 8 11 AM - Bereavement Group 7 PM - Grace Fellowship 9 9:30 AM - AA 12:15 PM -Rotary 6:30 PM NB Divorce Support 10 10:00 AM - Bible Study 11 6:30 PM - Council Meeting 12 10:00 AM AA 6:00 PM - NB Pot Luck Dinner 13 3:00 PM - Knitting Group at Marty s 14 ADVENT 3 10:00 AM- Worship Service AM - Bereavement Group 7 PM - Grace Fellowship 16 9:30 AM - AA Noon - Meeting House Quilters 6:30 PM NB Divorce Support 17 10:00 AM - Bible Study :00 AM AA Harvest Dinner Preparations ADVENT 4 8:30 AM - Chancel Choir 10:00 AM- Worship Service Confirmation Class AM - Bereavement Group 7 PM - Grace Fellowship 23 9:30 AM - AA 12:15 AM -Rotary 6:30 PM NB Divorce Support 24 5:30 PM - Lessons & Carols for All Ages 10:00 PM - Candlelight Lessons & Carols :00 AM AA 6:00 PM NB Pot Luck Dinner 27 7:00 PM Service of Comfort & Peace :00 AM- Come as You Are Carol Sing 11 AM - Bereavement Group 7 PM - Grace Fellowship 10:00 AM - Bible Study Dear God, I leave the past year in your keeping and open my heart to the year to come, confident that you journey at my side. To access an online calendar, visit Page 7

8 Worship Support Ministry DEACONS OF THE MONTH: ANN-MARIE DAVENPORT & TERRI TIBBATTS (DECEMBER) ELLEN WILLERT & SUSAN LOYD TURNER (JANUARY) DATE USHERS & GREETERS WORSHIP ASSISTANT WELCOME ANNOUNC M TS CHILD CARE SUNDAY SCHOOL COFFEE HOUR DEC 7 COMMUNION Al Trowbridge, MariLyn Roze*, Ben and Trish Grinnell Cara Michalski and Alexa Lewis Cara Michalski Parsons Family DEC 14 Maryellen and John Geoghan John Lintner Ellen Willert Henrietta and Peter DEC 21 Lee, Alyssa, and Caroline Parsons Carol Glintenkamp Wayne Hileman OPEN DEC 24 CHRISTMAS EVE 5:30 PM CHRISTMAS EVE 10 PM DECEMBER 28 Sheila Anson, Liddy Adams, John Minnis, Ben Grinnell, John and Susan Loyd Turner Judie Gorra and Al Trowbridge Jack and Jane Boyer N/A N/A N/A Scott Tilden N/A N/A N/A Judie Gorra Judie Gorra N/A N/A OPEN JAN 4 COMMUNION AND CONG L MEETING Susan Jahnke*, Conrad Weeks, Karen and Jim Esslinger Emma Lewis Judie Gorra Karen and Jim Esslinger JAN 11 Cara Michalski and the Lewis Women Michelle and Abby Gorra Dan Maryellen and John Geoghan JAN 18 Susan Loyd Turner and Terri Tibbatts John Turner Judie Gorra OPEN JAN 25 John Lintner and Joe Mustich John Geoghan Susan Loyd Turner OPEN The Communion server marked with an asterisk is assigned to bring the bread. If you are scheduled and cannot do it for some reason, please make arrangements for a replacement and then notify Karen in the church office. COFFEE HOUR HOSTS ARE NEEDED for dates marked OPEN. Hosts are responsible for setting up the large table in Wersebe Hall as well as the coffee table, putting out snacks (whatever you want can be as simple as chips and dip, crackers and cheese, or popcorn). Then hosts responsible for cleanup afterwards. (This can also mean that hosts recruit help from others in that effort!) Please sign up on the list(s) on the bulletin board in Wersebe Hall (near the kitchen) or or call the office (860) Page 8 The Judea Journal

9 Flowers and Steeple Lighting Memorials Flowers - See Christmas Memorials BELOW Steeple Lighting Dec 7 Dec 14 Dec 21 Dec 28 In loving memory of Howard and Margery Bronson, Clinton and Helen Swan, Helen Swan Coughlin, Frances Swan Mygatt, Clarence and Marion Bronson, Margaret Bronson Taylor, Helen Bronson Brooks, given by the Bronson Family. Open Given by Ed and Collum Kosco in loving memory of her father, Rex E. Collum Given by Susan J. McMaster and David G. McMaster in loving memory of Jean and Claude (Mac) McMaster, Marian Hickox Fowler, and Emelyn Colton Hickox. Given by Debbie Swigart and Family in loving memory of Elizabeth Graham Toppy, Reese & Vi in loving memory of Walter M. (Jed) Pickett, Jr. Flowers are $65 per week. Steeple Lighting is $25 per week. If you have a particular date or dates you wish to sponsor flowers or steeple lighting at any time during the year to honor or remember someone or something, please contact Karen in the church office to check date availability. Call (860) or to: admin@firstchurchwashingtonct.org Christmas Memorials (continued from page 1) given for the birth of the Christ child and will again be donated to the Winsted YMCA homeless shelter. You can add this in any increment you like providing a day, a few days, or a week or more of safe, clean transitional housing. Qty Item Amount Pointsettia $ 20 Lg Wreath $ 35 Sm Wreath $ 18 Full Food Gift Box $ 50 1/2 Food Gift Box $ 25 Grocery Gift Bag $ 15 Night(s) of Shelter $ 10 each Please print my information as follows: In Memory of OR In Honor of Given by: Page 9

10 Stewardship Message from Maryellen Geoghan Good morning, my name is Maryellen Geoghan and I am so grateful to be a member of this congregation in Washington, CT. I have been asked to say a few words today on behalf of our annual stewardship and to share what it means to me to be part of this congregation. When I received an from Scott Tilden asking me to speak I had a few thoughts: What a nice compliment, but why me No I can t. What am I going to say.. Finally I thought I have a lot to say about this congregation and boy can I talk. Just ask John. John and I have talked quite a bit about our experiences here and how much you have all enriched our lives. So many of you know John and I were brought up Catholic as many of you were. Those of you who did will understand what I am talking about. In the Catholic Church everyone files in, no greeting or welcoming, a holy water dip, bless yourself, genuflect, and bless yourself again and in the row you go. As far back as you can. No one speaks. All is holy and quiet. Then there is kneeling, sitting, kneeling, standing and more kneeling. At our church here in Washington Depot, everyone is greeted by Pastor Cheryl and immediately receive a warm welcome from the ushers. Just like in the Catholic Church ;) As we all enter into worship we are all happy to see each other. Everyone catches up and greets each other. My favorite time is communion Sunday when we all get to give each other a big hug of peace instead of words whispered in other congregations. As we set the crazy world aside and have said our hellos to all, we settle into a time of prayer and peace and the Lord. No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey you are welcome here. We make time to find peace, hope and the love of God as we worship and pray. As always at the end we find our friends again and enjoy our wonderful hosts at coffee hour. Quite a different experience from my past life. Many of Pastor Cheryl s sermons have brought peace and resolve to my life. One example is the sermon about forgiveness. There are a few people in my life that have caused me great pain never to be forgiven.so I thought. Specifically a friend of 30+ years and an Ex business partner, both of whom I thought I could never forgive. After listening, processing and praying on Cheryl s sermon I figured out that I actually could forgive and let go and it feels wonderful. I recently received a call from that ex business partner. He called to say we had not spoken to each other in a year and he proceeded to tell me he did not want me to spend the rest of my life hating him. He thought it was not a way to live. With that I responded I don t hate you Tom. I have forgiven you and moved on. As a matter of fact I learned from the best and now my own business is thriving. We are actually business competitors now. There was silence. I thanked him for calling. Do you know how good that felt? Thank you Cheryl!!! Yes this church means so much to me. I am a little bit embarrassed to admit I have never made the time to offer up my services to an organization, a congregation or just church life in general. I was always busy traveling the world for Page 10 The Judea Journal

11 business and trying to balance work, family and friends. Notice I said work first Mind you my business is in the garment industry, not saving the world or making a difference in it. Well Pastor Cheryl, Susan & Dave Werkhoven and Al Trowbridge and this congregation made John and I feel so welcome and comfortable. When Sue and Dave turned around and shook our hands and welcomed us on our first Sunday visit we knew we wanted to be involved and participate in this wonderful congregation. Work was not as important. We can make the time. One of the things I admire about our church is the way everyone comes together as a community to help those less fortunate. It has been a pleasure to participate in a few of the missions of the church. Cooking for the shelter, contributing to the food bank and coat drive. It has been a pleasure to work with all of you on the Green Fair and we look forward to participating in the preparation of the Harvest Dinner. Our lives have changed because of all of you here in this congregation. Our social life in Washington became vibrant through this church. We have been here for 11 years, the first half as weekenders and the last as full time residents. Up until 3 or 4 years ago we had one family of friends in town. Since we started coming to this church we have so many friends. You are all truly a blessing in our lives. The dinner groups have been so much fun. The dinners we have either attended or hosted have opened up our lives to new friends and opportunities. We have continued this tradition of hosting and attending where we all bring a dinner course and a bottle of wine. We attended one last night at the home of Henrietta and Peter Armstrong. All of us had a blast. Eating, drinking and laughing. One more thing I would like to talk about is what this church and what pastor Cheryl does for the children of all ages. She instills confidence and a feeling of security in our kids. The little ones are so happy to bring up the beads, answer Cheryl s question and make comments without fear of answering wrong. The youth group always amazes me with the confidence and courage to be who they are with no fear. Emily assists Pastor Cheryl with the youth group and it appears she is a rock star to all of them. How lucky are all of us to have such a young vibrant woman as a role model to these tweens and teens. Now that you all know what this congregation means to me I would like to briefly talk about Stewardship Each of us benefits from our church s ministries. Cheryl s worship services, pastoral visits and community outreach. Our choir director's leadership, the divorce, bereavement and singles support programs and the monumental contribution from Karen and Susan. These important ministries need your support in order to continue doing the amazing things we do to support the community, our members and our children. I sincerely hope everyone remembers how important this church is in your lives as you consider your Stewardship commitment this year. Thanks for listening and for supporting this wonderful congregation. Blessings and Peace, Maryellen Page 11

12 The First Congregational Church of Washington, Connecticut 6 Kirby Road P.O. Box 1285 Phone: congreg.church@snet.net Website: firstcongwashingtonct.html POSTMASTER: ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED DATED MATERIAL PLEASE EXPEDITE DELIVERY Whoever you are, and wherever you are on your life s journey, you are welcome. Every Expectant Second By Matt Fitzgerald How Long, O Lord? I used to work in a restaurant that did not open until 6:00 in the evening. I came in at 4:30 to set up the bar, polish the bottles, cut limes and stock the coolers. Meanwhile the cooks in the kitchen were chopping, roasting, dicing, and the diners were beginning to crowd the foyer, shuffling their feet, eager to see the time fly by. The focus was entirely on 6:00. How long until dinner? We were all waiting anxiously, working furiously. Each night, against all of this impatience, at exactly 5:55 a line cook named Steve would stop and walk very deliberately out of the kitchen with a huge saute pan in his hand. In the pan there was a generous amount of olive oil and 12 garlic cloves rough-chopped and sizzling. He would walk slowly through the empty dining room filling the air not with dinner, but with a promise. A mad rush unfolded the moment the foyer door was opened. A blast of two-tops and four-tops, cocktails, credit cards, entrees and decaf. All of that is muddled and unclear in my memory. What stands out are those few moments before the promise was realized, when the room was hushed and empty and the smell of roasted garlic filled the air. We cannot wait for God to arrive in our midst. But we have no choice. We have to wait. While we do it is good to know that the promise of Christmas is more than prelude. Indeed, the anticipation can be beautiful. The hushed and empty room is its own good gift.