December 25 – “Homecoming”

Well, yesterday was more than just Christmas Eve to the Vaughan family in LaMarque.  It was homecoming day.  It was the day we took the four old dudes (Jachin, Micah, Josiah, and Noa) back home.  And why was that?  Because it was also the day that baby brother Ezra was making his way home from the hospital for the first time.  The release paperwork seemed to take forever, but we finally got word that they were on their way.  Since it was already afternoon, Chris took the kids home while I finished up getting ready for the Christmas Eve worship services at church.  I also had a little extra time to pull out the Christmas gifts for Chris that have been I hiding for a few months (Hope I remembered them all), and get them wrapped.  Not sure when we’ll do our Christmas together with today also being a Sunday.  Anyway, Chris and the kids were there in plenty of time to greet Ezra and his parents when they got home.  As it turned out, Chris was back here in plenty of time to go with me to the church to get the final things ready there.

Now, as to the service last night …

We had one of the best crowds ever.  Over 70 people.  We had to break out some extra chairs to fit everyone in (Thanks, Nathan, for taking care of that).  I saw some Seasiders even do the unthinkable.  They actually moved to the very front row so someone could have their seat (Nice job, Ed, in particular.  I know your Momma was proud of you as well.  Great to have her with us).  The AA group graciously moved up to the retreat center and had their regular Saturday evening meeting as well.  Christmas is not always an easy time for them, so keep them in your prayers.

Corey was back with the praise team, playing his violin.  Rebecca added her singing voice, and Jim and Dale continued with their excellent guitar (and banjo) accompaniment.  I saw Ed up there afterwards, toying with the banjo as well.  Sounded like we ought to have an extra body up there pretty soon.  Of course I also heard Jim mention something about the pastor playing his ukulele as well.  Think I’ll keep my mouth shut for the time being.

And then came the teaching segment.  Ouch.  The computer froze up and wouldn’t read the powerpoint images.  Nothing past the very first one.  We tried reloading and restarting the computer – everything.  Nothing worked.  Oh and did I mention that all of this happened during the service?  During the sermon?  Lauren did a great job trying all of the known computer tricks to get the powerpoint to come up, but nothing helped.  So I did a fake punt and an end run and just plowed on through the teaching without the cool images.  The feedback after the service was very positive, although things like, “Nice recovery” and “I sure would have liked to see that original picture of Santa Claus” were not exactly the kinds of things one wants to have to hear.  Perhaps it will inspire them to do a google search of their own. 

Otherwise, the people seemed to enjoy connecting with Jesus.  And that’s what the whole point of the evening was anyway.  It was great to see people who come every single year to the service (their only trip to Galveston every year is over Christmas).  And others we haven’t seen for a very long time.  Nathan and April and Cailyn were there.  They and Chris and I lit the Advent wreath as a family.  That was a special moment.  And of course those great current Seaside regulars were doing a super job of welcoming all the guests.  Every single box of donuts was taken (Our gift to be given away on their way home to someone they see at work on Christmas Eve).  Lots of the ornaments were gone as well (same purpose).  So my prayer is that the spiritual touch of worship last night will end up having longer-term effects well after the last car pulled out of the parking lot.  I leave this blog with what has become my favorite greeting for people I see at WalMart … Happy Christmas!

Luke 2:13-14 says, “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.’”

Father, thank you for the many people who came to worship you last night, both at Seaside and across the world.  May you touch them in ways they never expected, long after the holiday season is done.  Amen.