The Rev. Rob Rose is a good friend, as is his wife Sarah and kids. He is the pastor of the West Hebron Presbyterian Church, and, like my friend Steve McLean, a warrior for Jesus. He invited me to his family’s celebration of Advent Day, the opening up of the Christmas Season. Rob and I joked about how Black Friday is becoming the truly sacred American holiday, the media obsessing on sales and stats as a measure of our economic and spiritual health.
But I found the true meaning of the season in Rob’s rectory, where he and his family and some friends gathered to talk about what Christmas really means, and to celebrate a season of light and gift-giving. I got numbered presents to last through Christmas Eve, and he left some shirts for Maria for her quilts and potholders. Ironically, Bedlam Farm is visible through the window.
29
November
Advent Day. The Christmas Season
by Jon Katz