fbpx
< Previous Next >

Chaplain’s Corner: Christmas Joy

By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date December 19, 2024

Those of us who grew up in the church usually think that Christmas has always been. Of course, that is not the case. The earliest records indicate that December 25 was celebrated as the birth of Jesus in the fourth century. The origin is unclear. One theory is that Christmas replaced the Roman feast of Dies Natalis Solis Invicti (the “day of the birth of the unconquered sun”). Another theory is that Jesus’ conception was thought to correspond with the day of his crucifixion: March 25, according to early Christian tradition; December 25 is exactly nine months later. (Book of Common Worship, prepared by the Office of Theology and Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 2018.)

Like most adults, I like the excitement on the faces of children and grandchildren as they tear into presents on Christmas. I like the warm glow of candlelight at Christmas Eve services. I like gathering with family and friends, sometimes for the only time in the year when we are together.

I also enjoy the tradition of giving and receiving presents at Christmas. Some gifts are much more about nostalgia and intention than the gift itself. My brothers and I, years ago, stopped giving gifts to each other. Now, we make donations in each other’s honor. After we moved to Birmingham from the little village of Kailua, HI, for over twenty years, a friend sent us a box of chocolate covered macadamia nuts. Being remembered was touching, and the candy was very good.

As a young child, I was so excited about Christmas that I always woke up first in my home. Sometimes, I would wake up at 5:00am, sneak down the hall from my bedroom to the living room, and silently peek at the gifts that Santa left under the tree. Then I would very quietly tiptoe back down the hall and get back under my covers. Sometimes, I would fall back to sleep. Other times, I would lie awake in my bed waiting for my dad to come get my brothers and me out of bed. I think I got better and better at acting surprised when my brothers and I were released to enter the living room and discover what Santa left us.

I still wake up first in my house on Christmas morning. When my two sons were home from college for Christmas, I woke up first. I finally was so impatient with them that I awakened them. I could only wait so long. And it was much later than 5:00am.

As an adult, I look forward to Christmas Eve more than Christmas morning. I love the Christmas Eve church services. The years when I was a hospital chaplain, I attended the Christmas Eve services with my family where they were church members. I also looked forward to and enjoyed leading Christmas Eve services when I was the pastor of the church.

This year I get to do both. I will lead the Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols in the chapel at Kirkwood, then I will attend the service of Lessons and Carols at Independent Presbyterian Church. As far as I am concerned, it just doesn’t get any better than this.

Merry Christmas and Peace on Earth.

Cary

Categories
Search
Recent Posts
Chaplain’s Corner: Epiphany and the New Year
January 06, 2025
January 2025 Calendars
January 02, 2025
Chaplain’s Corner: Christmas Joy
December 19, 2024
Tree

The Residents

Our residents come from different backgrounds and bring their unique qualities, talents, and life experiences to complete the Kirkwood community. Here are just a few reflections from some individuals who call Kirkwood their home.

My time at Kirkwood was spectacular; they taught me how to walk again. The staff was outstanding, and the care was beyond reproach. When I arrived, I had a long way to go. I was very sick. The first night, they had to lift me as I could not move by myself. When I left, they were chasing me down the hallway. They taught me how to perform the activities of daily living again. It was the best care I could have prayed for, and on top of that, the food was spectacular.

Eli Gold Past Resident

I fell in love with the cottage and the view from my back porch. I am excited to have a yard for Ginger, my poodle, to play in and my own garage, all within an established retirement community!

Charlotte Hamilton Current Resident

My husband and I looked at a number of places when deciding to move to a retirement community. For the most part, we found communities that said, ‘We’re going to take care of you.’ But Kirkwood was different. It wasn’t just about taking care of us. It was also about having fun, having friends, and living life to the fullest. The attitude at Kirkwood was positive and the atmosphere was comforting. We simply couldn’t resist. Without a doubt, the location was ideal. The Cahaba Room that overlooks the river, the mountains, the trails – there were just so many things about life. The community was lively. It was alive.

Alice Brooks Current Resident

We realized we were approaching an age where we might need more assistance than what just downsizing could provide. Knowing we have my sons nearby and the levels of care should we need it is comforting, and the beautiful hillside, river, and the woods makes it that much more appealing. We don’t know of any other community that has the woods, the various levels of care, and so many different amenities.

Phyllis and John Guschke Current Residents

We were moving my parents down from the Cleveland area to be near us. I looked at almost every retirement place in the Birmingham area. The second I turned into Kirkwood’s drive and drove up the hill, I knew that I’d found the perfect place for my parents to live in Alabama. In the six years that my parents have been at Kirkwood, I have always felt nothing but love and helpfulness from every staff member. Everyone is always helpful with a pleasant attitude. You can truly see and feel the family atmosphere. I’m happy that my parents can call Kirkwood their home.

Brenda Sheehan Kirkwood family member

When we learned that Cedar Ridge was being developed, that seemed to fit our needs very well. It is the ideal place for the next phase of our retirement.

Carol and Arthur Stephens Current Residents

One thing that we feel is very important here at Kirkwood by the River is the relationship that we have between the staff and the residents. They are dedicated to making our life here as safe and secure and pleasurable as possible. That goes a long way.

Fred Rogers Current Resident

The community's cottage living surrounded by a wooded, natural environment with access to future healthcare services is what attracted us to Kirkwood!

Rick and Jane Ricketts Current Residents