Date Posted: 2024-12-25 09:46:51 | Video Duration: 00:47:23
At Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, the Christmas Eve service encapsulates the essence of community, faith, and celebration. Nestled in the heart of the community, the church opens its doors with warmth and a sense of belonging for all, especially during this season of joy and reflection. As families gather under the sanctuary’s roof, they are welcomed into a space where sacredness meets the delightful chaos of children celebrating Christmas.
A Holy and Chaotic Celebration
The service begins with the senior pastor, Matthew Ruffner, offering a heartfelt welcome to all attendees. “Friends, Merry Christmas,” he says, acknowledging the effort made by families to attend despite the rain. He reassures parents, “Our goal is for your young people to feel like they fully belong here, so if they’re wiggling and they’re squirming, and they’re making noise, you know what? It’s okay.” This sentiment sets the tone for a service filled with both reverence and the joyous clamor of children.
The Light of Christ
The lighting of the Advent candles marks the transition from the anticipation of Advent to the celebration of Christ’s birth. “Tonight, the waiting is over,” the pastor proclaims, echoing the words of Isaiah, “The people who walked in deep darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). As the Christ Candle is lit, the congregation is reminded that Jesus, the light of the world, is born anew in their hearts.
Throughout the service, scripture readings and traditional carols like “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Silent Night” weave the story of Jesus’ birth with music and worship. The children’s participation in reenacting the Nativity scene brings the story to life in a vibrant and engaging manner, capturing the wonder of the Christmas story.
A Message of Peace Among Chaos
The pastor reflects on the nature of peace amidst the busyness of life. He imagines the night of Jesus’s birth as filled with joyful noise rather than silence, with the cries of the newborn, the sounds of animals, and the greetings of shepherds and strangers. This lively scene is a reminder that “God’s presence and peace filled the space—not a still and silent peace, but a loud and rambunctious peace.”
In a world that often feels chaotic, the sermon invites the congregation to find peace in the midst of life’s messiness. “Christ’s peace still surrounds us in this chaos,” the pastor assures, urging parents to embrace the holy and sacred chaos of family life. The service concludes with a call to action—an encouragement for all to bring the peace and light of Christ into their lives and communities.
A Timeless Message of Love
In a touching moment, the pastor asks children to turn to their parents and say, “I love you so much, and don’t you ever forget it.” He then asks parents to repeat this affirmation back to their children, reinforcing the enduring message of God’s love for humanity. “God loves you so much,” he emphasizes, “and don’t you ever forget it.”
As the service draws to a close, the congregation is sent forth with a blessing to be the church in the world, carrying the light and love of God into their everyday lives. The celebration of Christmas at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church is not just a ceremony; it is a heartfelt reminder of the hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ brings into the world.
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