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 "He
went to church, and walked about the streets, and watched the people
hurrying to and fro, and patted children on the head, and questioned
beggars, and looked down into the kitchens of houses, and up to the
windows, and found that everything could yield him
pleasure. He had never dreamed that any walk—that anything—could
give him so much happiness. In the afternoon he turned his steps
towards his nephew’s house."
This is from “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. I don't know
about you, but I love this story and love the movie adaptions of the
story as well. My favorite film versions include the one starring
George C. Scott (1984), the musical version with Albert Finney
(1970), and the Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)! If you have watched
these versions of A Christmas Carol, you probably don't remember
seeing Ebenezer Scrooge attending church services on Christmas
Morning. There is only one film adaptation to my knowledge that
includes this, being faithful to Dicken's original story.
In the 1999 version with Patrick Stewart, Scrooge is
walking through the streets of London wishing everyone he comes
across a "Merry Christmas." He hears a hymn being sung from a local
church: "God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen." He is drawn in by the music
and decides to go to the service. He is a fish out of water! He
doesn't know that he is supposed to remove his top hat upon entering
but is kindly encouraged to do so. He finds an empty spot in an
otherwise full pew and tries to sing but doesn't know the words.
Thankfully the person that is standing next to him shares his
hymnbook and Scrooge, with the music in front of him, starts to sing
with great joy and gusto! "O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and
joy, O tidings of comfort and joy!" It is a truly beautiful scene!
Part of it being made possible by the kindness or welcoming spirit
of the church members.
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If you haven't been in a church service for a while,
I know it might not be the most comfortable place for you. You might
wonder if you'll be accepted or welcome. You might be afraid that it
will be an awkward experience. It takes some courage sometimes to
step within a sanctuary for worship when you're not used to it. I
want to tell you that I know many/most of the local ministers and
congregations in Logan County. I have worked with them for many
years on a variety of projects. No Church is perfect, but I believe
with all of my heart that you will find within the church walls of
Lincoln and the surrounding area, good people who love God and love
you too and want to get to know you. There is no greater Gift than
the Gift of Jesus Christ, the Newborn King, at Christmas time, and
He is worthy of your devotion and worship!
The Edgecombe Family and Broadwell Christian Church wishes you all a
very Merry Christmas.
Broadwell Christian Church Christmas Eve Service: 6pm
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