Keeping Christmas

I was thinking about going to a 10:00 PM Christmas Eve service at the church I went to during the golden years of my youth (Topeka's Grace Cathedral), but I just saw how we are under a "dense fog advisory" expected to last until 12:00 PM, Christmas day, so I looked outside and indeed it is quite foggy. I love Christmas Eve services but not so sure about driving across town in the fog. My friend I went out for a hamburger with earlier said it was difficult for her to get to work this morning because of the fog. This morning at 7:00 AM I was quite asleep in bed and unaware of the fog, and by the time I was up and around it was clear and beautiful outside. I hate to be so governed by atmospheric conditions, but going to a Christmas Eve communion service is not really something I must do. We had our Christmas candlelight service Sunday night with our small gathering, it's just something kind of lovely to do on a Christmas Eve, and the whole cathedral vibe is something lovely as well, that I experience not at all any more, and this would be my last chance until next year. The fog is quite dense, and there is parking and I am probably better off staying home. It would be nice, the music and maybe see one person I know, maybe no one I know. Does that matter? Not really, I suppose. But I'm going to stay here instead and think about what it means to "keep Christmas." This is a phrase from The Christmas Carol film with Alistair Sim. The expression is mentioned when Scrooge says to his nephew something to the effect of, "Let me keep Christmas in my own way," and his nephew retorts, "But you don't keep Christmas, Uncle Scrooge." Again, I am paraphrasing from memory. I'm going to stay here instead and talk about what it means to "keep Christmas." This is a phrase from The Christmas Carol film with Alistair Sim. The expression is mentioned when Scrooge says to his nephew something to the effect of, "Let me keep Christmas in my own way," and his nephew retorts, "But you don't keep Christmas, Uncle Scrooge." Again, I am paraphrasing from memory. I think my brother in New Jersey might be watching that film even now, and I would love nothing more than to be watching it with him here and now. Meanwhile, I think I have located the livestream of the Christmas Eve 10:00 service. They're playing "In the Bleak Midwinter." I love this. Played on a harp. How beautiful. Would be better if I were there, but I am here. Then, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear." Sometimes I miss the pageantry, I confess. The Nativity of our Lord, that is what we are celebrating at Christmas. Nativity-- the birth of our Lord. This is what we are celebrating. The Nicene Creed I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen. I memorized this to be confirmed many years ago. If we believe these things and live in obedience to His word, then we will "keep Christmas" every day. May this be my New Year's Resolution