Merry Christmas Day
December 25, 2005 – 8:16 PMI had a terrific Christmas Eve spent with Kerri. We went to the candlelight service at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fairport, which was lovely, inspiring, and comforting.
After the Baptist Church debacle where Keith and I sat horror-stricken for 1.5 hours as we were patronized, talked down to, manipulated and insulted both intellectually and asthetically, my heart is much gladdened to know that churches and denominations exist that focus on the important things — love rather than judgment, ministering to the poor and heartbroken rather than congratulating the smug and self-righteous, and pastors with a real sense of humor, a sense of reality and relevance, and sincerity in their words.
I'm going to go back. It was beautiful when all the lights were turned down, our candles lit, and everybody hummed Silent Night. It felt real, rather than the hollow and superficial feeling I've always had in other churches. They also have this massive, monstrous, gorgeous pipe organ that reaches at least twenty feet high. It was a work of art in and of itself. It was a small church, so it took up a large portion of the room.
I need to write Kerri a thank-you letter for inviting me to share Christmas at her house. She's a terrific person, and I can't say enough nice things about her. Her extension of friendship to me last night is what Christmas is really about.