December 5th, 2025 | Rev. Rachel Williams

Dear Friends,

     I love this time of year. Usually, the tree is up in mid-November, but, surprising even myself, I waited until the week of Thanksgiving to pull the tree out of the box.

I have been taking it slowly to get the rest of the holiday decorations up in the house. I’m trying to keep the kids from breaking every ornament on the tree (thank you, Gorilla Glue!), and I am marveling at Aidan’s wonder over all things Christmas. And then I tell him to put the breakable figurine down and go back to playing with his Little People nativity set. I appreciate that nativity set because it allows my kids to interact with the nativity story through play, and I enjoy watching what other creatures also make it to the nativity. In past years, we’ve seen dinosaurs, penguins, Mickey Mouse, and even a rogue unicorn make their way to witness the birth of Christ. That sounds a lot like Christmas to me - a group of unlikely, unexpected people gathering together to bear witness to Emmanuel, God with us.

Each time we look at a nativity, with shepherds, wise people, animals, and whoever else may appear, we are reminded that God’s Good News is for the lowly, the outcast, and, ultimately, for all people.

I hope you will share that Good News with your friends, families, and acquaintances throughout this season, particularly by inviting them to No Room at the Inn this weekend where they will get to see nativities of all shapes and sizes from around the world. What an incredible way to experience God incarnate by seeing how the Christ child is depicted across cultures. Then, join us Saturday evening to walk in or watch the lighted Christmas parade hosted by our partner mission, America’s Youth. This is a wonderful event where we can share the light of Christ’s presence in our lives with our neighboring community and all who come to watch the parade.

No Room at the Inn runs Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6th from 10AM to 4PM pm in the Partin Center and the Sanctuary. Meet us at the Central Park ballfields at 5:30PM on December 6th to walk in the Lighted Christmas Parade. The parade starts at 6PM. It’s a fun, festive weekend here at Memorial, and I can’t wait to share this time with you all!

With hope and peace,

Pastor Rachel