December 24, 2024 | Christmas Eve Service | Saint Mark's Episcopal Church - Charleston, SC

Recap of Saint Mark’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Sermon: A Message for Today Christmas Eve at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Downtown Charleston wasn’t just a service—it was an experience. With flickering candles, the warmth of community, and the words of Fr. Michael Shaffer, the night invited us all to reflect on the deeper meaning of Christmas. This wasn’t about tradition for tradition’s sake; it was about connection—between the divine, the everyday, and, yes, us. Fr. Michael didn’t waste time with fluff. He dove straight into what makes Christmas so profound: the Incarnation. That big, churchy word simply means that God became one of us through Jesus. And honestly? That idea might be more relevant now than it ever was. A Story You Won’t Forget To drive the message home, Fr. Michael shared a story that hit hard. A man who didn’t believe in the Incarnation skipped Christmas Eve services every year, staying home while his family went to church. One snowy night, he found a flock of birds, confused and helpless, outside his house. He tried everything—lighting a path, leaving food, even trying to guide them—but the birds wouldn’t trust him. Then it hit him: to save them, he’d have to become one of them. Sound familiar? It’s exactly why God came to us as Jesus. Fr. Michael connected this story to our lives in a way that made sense. How often do we feel lost, unsure, or like we’re searching for shelter in a storm? The Christmas story isn’t just about what happened in Bethlehem. It’s about a God who gets it—a God who knows what it’s like to struggle, to celebrate, and to be human. What It Means for Us Today In a world that often feels overwhelming, the idea of someone meeting us exactly where we are? That’s powerful. Fr. Michael reminded us that Christmas isn’t about rules or judgment—it’s about God showing up, walking beside us, and saying, “You’re not alone.” Think about that for a second. When was the last time you felt truly seen or understood? That’s the gift of Christmas. It’s God saying, “I’ve been where you are, and I’m here to walk with you.” This isn’t some distant, holier-than-thou idea. It’s as real as your morning commute or the texts you didn’t have time to answer. Making It Personal Fr. Michael didn’t just leave us with warm fuzzies, though. He challenged us to take the Incarnation—God becoming human—and live it out. How? By showing up for others the way God shows up for us. Where there’s hate, bring love. Where there’s doubt, share hope. Where there’s darkness, shine a little light. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about choosing, every day, to make the world a little better in whatever ways you can. It’s about being the kind of person who inspires others to believe in goodness—even when things get tough. An Open Invitation Here’s the thing: If you’ve been avoiding church because it feels too stiff or out of touch, Saint Mark’s isn’t like that. Fr. Michael’s sermon was proof. It’s a place where you can ask questions, wrestle with doubt, and still find a community that welcomes you as you are. Maybe you’re looking for peace. Maybe you’re looking for purpose. Or maybe you’re just curious about what all this “Incarnation” stuff really means. Wherever you’re at, Saint Mark’s is ready to meet you there—no strings attached. A Closing Thought As the service ended and "Joy to the World" filled the church, it wasn’t just a song—it was a reminder. The Incarnation isn’t just about something that happened 2,000 years ago. It’s about what’s happening now, in our lives and our hearts. Fr. Michael left us with this: “The gift of Christmas is alive in you.” Let that sink in. It’s not just a feel-good sentiment; it’s an invitation to live with purpose, compassion, and hope. Missed this year’s Christmas Eve service? No worries. The doors at Saint Mark’s are always open, and so are the people inside. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, we’d love to see you.