[Today's journal entry also appeared as a meditation for the Christian Church in Ohio's Advent Devotional. This was my contribution to these daily devotions written by clergywomen serving in the Disciples of Christ in Ohio. As we approach Christmas Eve, it is a special memory for me]
Once in Royal David’s City, stood a lowly cattle shed…
. . . words sung as a soprano solo by the child selected in the Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral’s Men’s and Boys’ Choir to begin the annual Service of Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve afternoon. It was my family church in Indianapolis. I remember you had to arrive at least an hour early in order to find a seat in the pews. When the service began, people were standing in the aisles. I was there every year until I answered a call to ministry in the Disciples’ tradition. Christmas Eve traditions in my family of origin changed – I no longer had the evening free to spend with parents and siblings.
Even more changed than that. Christmas Eve in the churches I’ve pastored has looked very different. I’ve been called from the pew and into the pulpit. There were not boy sopranos in choirs that traveled Europe. As for people coming an hour early and standing because there were no more places to sit? I can only imagine!
This Christmas Eve at the close of worship when the lights in the sanctuary dim and the Light of Christ is passed from the Table through me and throughout the congregation, we’ll sing Silent Night. There will be tears. There are always tears. Mine will be for the joy and privilege it is to be called to ministry on such a night.
God of tradition, and God of change, come to us again this Christmas. Amen.
Rev. Kristine Eggert
Senior Pastor
Disciples Christian Church
. . . words sung as a soprano solo by the child selected in the Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral’s Men’s and Boys’ Choir to begin the annual Service of Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve afternoon. It was my family church in Indianapolis. I remember you had to arrive at least an hour early in order to find a seat in the pews. When the service began, people were standing in the aisles. I was there every year until I answered a call to ministry in the Disciples’ tradition. Christmas Eve traditions in my family of origin changed – I no longer had the evening free to spend with parents and siblings.
Even more changed than that. Christmas Eve in the churches I’ve pastored has looked very different. I’ve been called from the pew and into the pulpit. There were not boy sopranos in choirs that traveled Europe. As for people coming an hour early and standing because there were no more places to sit? I can only imagine!
This Christmas Eve at the close of worship when the lights in the sanctuary dim and the Light of Christ is passed from the Table through me and throughout the congregation, we’ll sing Silent Night. There will be tears. There are always tears. Mine will be for the joy and privilege it is to be called to ministry on such a night.
God of tradition, and God of change, come to us again this Christmas. Amen.
Rev. Kristine Eggert
Senior Pastor
Disciples Christian Church
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