Country Church Prepares for Christmas

DIAS CREEK – The spirit of Christmas slipped into Dias Creek Methodist Church not with a bang but with the gentleness that defines the reason for the season.
As part of a special Dec. 10 afternoon service, wreaths were hung, candles lit, carols sung and congregants gathered to adorn the church for the holiday.
“The majority of the church is decorated,” said Rev. Albert Moir to his congregation. “But there are some decorations missing. We didn’t forget them, they are symbolic of this service – the greening of the church.”
During the hour-long service four advent candles were lit as symbols of the hope, way and joy of Christ as well as the Prince of Peace. Wreaths were placed near the altar as symbols of the never-ending reign of Christ and to symbolize the crown of thorns worn at the Crucifixion.
Eight-year-old Abiani Mendoza-Moir hung mistletoe. The hanging of the evergreen plant is a new addition to the church this year.
“The prophet (Isaiah) tells of the healing power of the anointed one,” said the pastor, Abiani’s great-grandfather as the young girl attached the evergreen to a clip. “The evergreen most associated with healing in the ancient world was the mistletoe. Today it is remembered as a plant of peace.” The pastor added while today standing beneath mistletoe is often a chance for a holiday kiss, a kiss under the mistletoe was once a kiss of peace.
As the service neared its end, the lights on the church’s Christmas tree were turned on. As an organist played “Oh Christmas Tree,” congregants marched forward to place ornaments on the tree’s boughs.
In his sermon Moir spoke of his love of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” He said his favorite character in the children’s holiday special is Cindy Lou Who, a small tot who took the hand of the Grinch in spite of his try at ruining the holiday for town of Whoville.
“Cindy Lou Who taught a lesson,” said Moir. “You can take away the food, you can take away the toys, but Christmas still comes – it’s in your heart.”