Remember that scene in the movie, “Home Alone” when 8-year-old Kevin McCallister was accidentally left behind while his family goes on vacation? He escapes injury and survives a week’s worth of slapstick worthy drama only to give up on finding his family again, so he finds himself walking by the neighborhood church, and decides to enter in, presumably to find comfort and warmth and perhaps to just belong. Inside the glow of that hallowed church, Kevin finds a friend in his elderly neighbor, Marley, a man of whom he was once afraid. He is there he explains, to hear his granddaughter sing in the choir because he feels unwelcome at his estranged son’s house on Christmas Day. Kevin says innocently, “you’re always welcome at church”.
For many who have felt the sting of hurt by a church or church family, either directly or indirectly, the search for solace and added meaning in life, brings a sustained void and for some, even indifference. I too, have been there. And on behalf of those who easily walk through those doors these days and know not an iota of that level of separation, I am so utterly sorry. We need to do so much better.
All those who love Jesus, are who define who the church is and as such, should all feel welcome to worship together as one, inside or outside of a building construct. Without fear. Without judgment.
One of my more tender memories as a child at Christmas time, is of going to church with my grandparents. My “Pop” was the church ‘candyman’ because he offered lifesavers to squirmy toddlers and young children to help them stay quiet during the service. Our family attended a medium sized community church with big stained-glass windows and a pipe organ that would make Franz Gruber proud. We sang too many stanzas of hymnal Christmas carols, people were dressed in their Sunday best, children were already dreaming about what might lay under the tree the next morning, and parents sang with something akin to gratitude for just making it there intact.
My deep and internal memories allow me to know it was a place of refuge, of hope, a sanctuary for those needing healing and connection. A welcoming place, to both find and offer, forgiveness. It was inviting, friendly, and safe. To this day, my favorite carol Silent Night, gifts me peace when I hear it.
I recognize also that many find the holidays rife with the pain of loss and other hidden stresses of want and need. To acknowledge that not all is calm and bright for everyone is a gift to those that struggle on the daily. I’ve been there, as well. It is a season and circle of life.
If ever there was a granted Christmas wish, I suppose it would be that those who wished to gather together and worship, could. And would. Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
All of you. Yes, all.
John 3:17, “For God did not send His son to condemn the world, but to save the world, through him.”
In His redeeming grace, I pray you find comfort and joy this holiday season,
Elaine
