The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way" ... a voice of one calling in the wilderness, "Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him." — Mark 1:1-3
Kate and I joined South Main as a newly married couple. Like most young couples, our first few Advent seasons were spent alternating visits with my family and Kate's family for Christmas. Our families are unique and different, but each tradition was important to our childhood. However, with this pattern we were not always able to make the Christmas Eve service at South Main.
The first Christmas after Elliot was born, we were still in town for Christmas Eve. We were excited to go to our Christmas Eve service, but it was going to be Elliot's first time. With just one child, we had not yet accepted that we were the loud Lane family. We were excited to see our Church family on Christmas Eve and wanted Elliot in the service with us. As the service started, my concern over a noisy and wiggly baby was replaced with a fullness that is hard to describe. The music, the flowers, the participation from members of the congregation throughout the service, and then closing with the lighting of the candles as we sang "Silent Night" while processing outside...this wasn't Kate's or Ryan's Christmas, but rather this was our family's Christmas and tradition to share.
Our family has grown from one child to three with each louder than the one before. However, we are always accepted, loved, and home when we are at South Main. Our family's Christmas isn't complete without the South Main Christmas Eve service.
Lord, open our hearts to the Good News of your Son's arrival. Help us to feel the Hope, Love, Peace, and Joy that comes from knowing you and the Promise of God's love. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Ryan Lane has been a member of South Main since 2008 and currently serves in the 527 Tribe. He and Kate have three children, Elliot, Lincoln, and Collins Grace.
