Pastor's Page

There’s a holiday tradition that I’ve kept up since high school, no matter where I’m living at the time. Around Christmas Eve, I go for a walk and look at all of the beautifully lit houses. This tradition started when my grandparents came for Christmas when I lived in Florida. After we got back from the 6:00 p.m. worship service on Christmas Eve, my mom, my grandmother, myself, and sometimes my aunt, would go for a walk in our neighborhood. Sometimes everyone went- brother, father, grandfather, uncle. Sometimes it was a few nights before Christmas, sometimes it was Christmas night after dinner, but before settling in the watch the George C Scott version of A Christmas Carol. We all laced up our walking shoes and slipped on a light jacket (typically), and walked our neighborhood and then across the street. When I moved to Long Island and was no longer going to Florida for Christmas, I would walk the neighborhood where I lived- taking a few minutes to myself in the cool evening to admire the lights and be with God.

I’ve always walked with someone on those Christmas walks, which means they have recently turned into prayer walks for me- walking with God in the stillness of the night and thanking Him for the joy of the season.

In the hustle of the Christmas season, where do you slow down and sit with God? It might be with family or friends, enjoying their company and leaving behind the holiday to-do list for a few moments as you thank God for these loved ones. It might be on your own, on a walk or with a cup of coffee during your morning devotional. Whatever your way is, take a few moments to forget  the holiday to-do list and remember the beautiful promise of the season.

Blessings and Peace,

                                    ~Pastor Annie



Pastor Annie McMillan