Sightings and Soundings • December 2022

The Irrational Season

We are now fully immersed in that season of overflowing calendars, increasing stress levels, and growing to-do lists. Predictably, and far too often, this Advent time of waiting becomes a season of frenzy. As I observe that perennial tendency arising within my own being, I am reminded of these wise words of Madeleine L'Engle's poem, “After Annunciation”:

This is the irrational season when love blooms bright and wild. Had Mary been filled with reason there'd have been no room for the child.

Perhaps the poet's brevity here is intentional - a respite from the clamor of the season, an invitation into reflection. What of our lives keeps us from making room for the pure wonder of this season? What blocks us from experiencing the sheer extravagance and awesome absurdity of Jesus - God's Son, God's Self - taking residence among us, within us? What is it about the status quo of this time of year that simply causes us to miss the point? What is it that prohibits us from expecting the unexpected, from setting our sights on that distant star?

As you peruse these pages and take note of all that lies before us this season and in the new year, recall that we are in the business not of filling calendars, but of making room; not of accomplishing all that the world expects of us, but of being present, open, ready. Ground yourself in the promise penned by Phillips Brooks and set to music in “O Little Town of Bethlehem”:

Where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.

May you receive the gift of Christ in this blessed season.

Jonathan Emmons Director of Music Ministries

COVER IMAGE: DOUG PENINGER

C HRISTMAS M EMORIES AT C ENTENARY

Sunday evening services were common at Centenary in the early years. They were patterned after the morning services, but were occasionally replaced by “special” services, particularly during Advent.

On the second Sunday of Advent, the “Service of White Gifts and Candles,” or, the “White Gifts Service,” provided an opportunity to help restock the church’s food closet — which in those days was what it actually was — a closet where food was stored.

As a child, the highlight for me was walking down the center aisle, placing cans of food we had carefully wrapped in white tissue paper on tables, and receiving a white candle in return. The lighted candles, with their soft warm glow, gradually transformed the sanctuary as organist Margaret Sandresky played the familiar strains of “Silent night, Holy Night.” As we sang, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was truly special — for me it was a part of Christmas that made, Christmas, Christmas. As everyone left, they were treated to the enchanting sight of luminaria that had been placed on the sidewalks all around the church grounds. For a youngster like me, it was magical. The sanctuary was usually very well attended during those years, but over time, attendance began to decline. There was somewhat of a resurgence in the early 1970s when, after a snack supper, all would board chartered buses and go caroling to those church members who were ‘shut in.’ After which, we returned to the church, refreshed by the experience, for a cup of hot chocolate.

In more recent years, the service prominently featured music by the children’s choirs and short Christmas pageants. Pastor Mark Ralls extended the giving of “White gifts” to all the services of the day. The response to this change by the congregation was overwhelming. The White Gifts service continued for a few more years, but as attendance continued to dwindle, the service finally disappeared from the Advent calendar altogether.

As we begin the Advent season, what is past is not forgotten. The “White Gifts” service is still a fond memory for many. Aspects of this very moving service may still be found in other services and church activities. For example, the harvest gifts just before Thanksgiving; and the candlelight communion on Christmas Eve. So, let us keep the spirit of “White gifts” the whole year through. As it is written in the Gospel of St. Matthew, 25:40 —

“As you did for the least among us, you did for me.”

Worship at a Glance

Dec.

5:00 Festival of 9 Lessons & Carols 4:30 Prelude

Details for all worship opportunities can be found on the last page.

— Alan Keely

Corine Brouwer, Concertmaster of the Winston-Salem Symphony Joshua Sobel, Centenary Organ Scholar