December 23rd, 2025
by Brad Banks
by Brad Banks
Dear Trinity family,
Here we are on Christmas Eve-Eve and I'm thinking about the New England tradition of windows filled with lit candles. I'd never seen that before moving here, and I didn't know what it meant. Just in case you don't, and assuming the places I looked for answers are right, 200+ years ago, those candles spoke a quiet message of safety. If you needed a place to stay as you traveled by horse from point A to B, and the weather turned rough or maybe your horse or your carriage broke down, you could find refuge inside a church.
Certainly, I hope that would still be the case today. Even though such a contingency is rarely needed, that image speaks volumes to me. If Christ and His message of the Gospel can be found inside, a church indeed is a place where one can find refuge. The world outside can feel like a hurricane. With so very little warning, everything can go from tranquillity to tragedy, and while we can't stop the storm from raging, Christ offers peace. Sometimes, He calms the storm, but what He always offers is calm to the one seeking shelter from all that's outside of our control.
We have an opportunity to offer such shelter tomorrow night. Christmas Eve invariably brings those who may not typically darken the doors of a church. It is my prayer that all will find the hope embodied in Christmas by our music, from God's word read and expounded, and from God's people, the extension of a hand and a smile.
To that end, please consider where you sit, where you park, and saying hello to someone you may not know. I'm aware this can sound like a broken record, but 4 cars came into our parking lot two days ago and left because there wasn't any room. Even if it means dropping someone off and coming back, please don't bring more than one car. Please consider sitting towards the front of the room. Leave the overflow space for those who arrive late. These are Gospel-centered gestures that truly communicate the love of Christ to someone who may never know it was you who made it possible for them to find a place and a seat.
God is at work here, y'all. I hope you can see it. Lives are being changed because of Jesus and we get to be a part of that. Thank you for being my partner in ministry and I so look forward to seeing you tomorrow night if you can be here. God bless.
In Christ
Pastor Brad
Here we are on Christmas Eve-Eve and I'm thinking about the New England tradition of windows filled with lit candles. I'd never seen that before moving here, and I didn't know what it meant. Just in case you don't, and assuming the places I looked for answers are right, 200+ years ago, those candles spoke a quiet message of safety. If you needed a place to stay as you traveled by horse from point A to B, and the weather turned rough or maybe your horse or your carriage broke down, you could find refuge inside a church.
Certainly, I hope that would still be the case today. Even though such a contingency is rarely needed, that image speaks volumes to me. If Christ and His message of the Gospel can be found inside, a church indeed is a place where one can find refuge. The world outside can feel like a hurricane. With so very little warning, everything can go from tranquillity to tragedy, and while we can't stop the storm from raging, Christ offers peace. Sometimes, He calms the storm, but what He always offers is calm to the one seeking shelter from all that's outside of our control.
We have an opportunity to offer such shelter tomorrow night. Christmas Eve invariably brings those who may not typically darken the doors of a church. It is my prayer that all will find the hope embodied in Christmas by our music, from God's word read and expounded, and from God's people, the extension of a hand and a smile.
To that end, please consider where you sit, where you park, and saying hello to someone you may not know. I'm aware this can sound like a broken record, but 4 cars came into our parking lot two days ago and left because there wasn't any room. Even if it means dropping someone off and coming back, please don't bring more than one car. Please consider sitting towards the front of the room. Leave the overflow space for those who arrive late. These are Gospel-centered gestures that truly communicate the love of Christ to someone who may never know it was you who made it possible for them to find a place and a seat.
God is at work here, y'all. I hope you can see it. Lives are being changed because of Jesus and we get to be a part of that. Thank you for being my partner in ministry and I so look forward to seeing you tomorrow night if you can be here. God bless.
In Christ
Pastor Brad
No Comments