Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.  Galatians 6:10

Illustration by Elizabeth Peluso, age 6

Christmas is such a special time of year where my family has made so many memories and different traditions.  Ever since I was little, I remember going to church with my sisters to draw Christmas pictures that help tell the story of Jesus in the Advent books.  I always loved to go with the other kids to draw pictures while listening to Christmas music and eating cookies.  This was one of my favorite activities that I would look forward to every year.  After the booklets came out, every Sunday night my Mom, Dad, and sisters would have family dinner where we would read the stories, look at the drawings, and light the Advent candle.

The Advent season is always so special and I knew that the day I got too old to keep drawing the pictures that I wanted to write one of the stories so I could still be a part of this tradition.  I always looked forward to church members’ stories and seeing the pictures, and now I’m the one who gets to tell the story.  This tradition has been with my family forever.  It’s my favorite part of the Christmas season and I’m so happy to be a part of it.

Addison Hicks, high school senior

A few Advent memories come to mind with our church as well as our own family.  One of my favorites is the Christmas pageant.  I loved being in front of the large Christmas crowds, trying to show off when I was younger.  Holding the tall and shimmering banners as the Angel Gabriel, sitting as Mary holding baby Jesus, presenting frankincense as a king, or portraying a donkey, always put me in the Christmas spirit.

I take this spirit with me to youth group, decorating gingerbread houses with our pastor Lindsey or singing carols at Legacy Heights to spread joy to the elderly people there.  I take the spirit to other SMPC Advent events such as the Advent Tea, singing in the youth choir, and ringing the little golden bells with Zach (our music director), and ringing at the Red Kettles for the Salvation Army.

I’m so grateful to have my church family and my own family to enjoy the holidays with.  Both help me better understand the meaning of Christmas and how important it is to have people around me to spend it with.  I try never to take for granted the love and support I have in my life.  I hope to make the last Christmas at home before college the best one yet.

Brooke Hicks, high school senior

Gracious Father, we pray for Peace and Love during this Advent season. A season to spend with family and friends and to remember those no longer with us. Let us remember the real reason for the season. In Jesus name, we pray, Amen   (Susan Hicks)

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