We huddled into our humble abode, with kerosene heaters lit and the dessert spread something out of a "What Not To Eat" fitness video; but mind you, not, dear friends-- EAT, we DID! I'll put it this way: leading up to the December 12th event, I was given instructions to buy food for our Christmas party and promptly acquired $114.00 worth of cookies, cakes, candy, apple cider, hot chocolate, and other items everything but our palates regret consuming.
Overall, however, I loved being with our Body together on this day. I don't always have the opportunity to really explore peoples' lives in a deep way on Sunday mornings before or after our service with various duties to which to attend, so this afforded me that chance. I talked well with Dave Ramsey (no, not the Cut Debt NOW! guy), who told me a lot about his training regiment for triathlons that he used to use when he was older. Dave and I chatted for quite a while about fitness and about his techniques during races, which really encouraged me. My prayer coming into this time was that I'd get to connect with people who I hadn't connected with before, which the Lord was beyond faithful in by providing me those conversations.
I had the opportunity to catch-up with Greg Ayers, our worship leader, who lives in Salem, VA. I've been impressed by his effort over this year since beginning as our worship leader at the beginning of the year, something that is always a hefty task for any person to take on. I'm excited to continue through this year with him as he grows in these areas of worship. A few weeks ago, Josh and I went with two of our recently-married friends from college, Colt Emswiler and Josh Wright, and his wife, Claire Wright, to listen to Greg's band do a regular show at Blues BBQ Co. in Roanoke, Virginia, during which we enjoyed listening to Greg jam in a context very different from Sunday morning: loud rooms filled with 30 excited people, cheering loudly for the six-piece band as they lifted their tunes into the Wednesday-night air. Greg has roared about how great of an opportunity this time has been for him to reach out to the music community in Roanoke and accept the charge of being among these men and women who are ravenously devouring the music into which they're pouring their hearts. I was honored to share that night with him and hope to go back some pleasant Wednesday evening from now (every Wednesday, 7:30 PM; see link above for directions).
Our party finished well with a great rendition of "Joy to the World." I was somewhat overcome by the wave of emotion when I realized the contrast from what I've experienced over the last two years during this season: 15 or so satiated saints singing "Oh Come, All ye faithful!" and "Oh, Holy Night" as we packed ourselves into a hotel room to simply celebrate the season together. During those days, we were "satiated" because we were together, exalting the name of Jesus Christ. During this celebration, things felt different, with 50 or so members of our River family crowding the train-car Ministry Center; it was different, but held the same call: men and women gathering to fix their eyes of Jesus, the coming of the heralded one.
What an awesome day to enjoy the presence and the glory of our newborn King!
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