With Christmas around the corner, these beautiful Advent poems written by parishioner and poet, Pamela Pruitt, have taken on even more wonderful significance and provided power over the entire season. Thank you for being so willing to share your art with us, Pam. You can find all of them on our website, Instagram, and Facebook, and we hope you have found them restorative, comforting, and inspirational throughout this Advent season. #adventpoem   #poems   #episcomd   #hocomd   #poetrylovers   #poetry   #poetryislife   #poetryoftheday

It's been two thousand years since the night that shepherds watched their flocks and an angel appeared to them with the message of the good news of a Savior’s birth. It's been over two thousand years since God directly intervened in human history, with majesty and mystery. The world since then has been daily transformed by ordinary people who have felt themselves transformed and their lives saved by the good news of Jesus Christ. The gospel’s joy rests in the fact that each and every person who has felt deep within themselves the life-giving message of the good news has not only held on tightly to it, but recognized the incredible responsibility to proclaim the same good news and passed it on to others, just so they might also experience the saving grace inherent in the gospel. For us, we hold the rope of the gospel because we can bear witness to the power in that rope. We hold the rope because we can bear witness to the grace of the gospel. We hold the rope because our lives depend on the gospel. There’s a story of William Carey, a Baptist Minister and Missioner. William went to India in 1792 and “Saw his mission as a miner penetrating a deep mine that had never been explored, with no one to guide. He said to  Andrew Fuller , John Ryland, and his other pastor friends: “I will go down, if you will hold the rope.” And John Ryland reports: “He took an oath from each of us, at the mouth of the pit, to this effect—that ‘while we lived, we should never let go of the rope.’” To understand the story of William and his friends, all of whom were zealous for the Lord, is to understand that the deep mine which is referenced in the paragraph above was used metaphorically to depict the extent of the mission of evangelization in India. To understand them is to understand the burning desire to share the gospel, despite any challenges of the deep mine. The gift they could give each other was to hold the rope. Remember Jesus' words, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” But however few in number that the laborers may be, the gospel is like a matchstick; as little as it is, it can burn an entire forest with its light. That is to say, that we only count on the zeal of those who believe themselves to have been transformed by the saving grace of the gospel to light the darkness of our paths with the flaming torch of the gospel. But, to do that, we must hold the rope. If you have ever been to a Passover Seder, one of the profound experiences you would notice is that, during the meal, four questions, known as Ma Nishtana, are asked. The questions are: What makes this night different from all [other] nights? 1) On all nights we need not dip even once, on this night we do so twice? 2) On all nights we eat  chametz  or  matzah , and on this night only matzah? 3) On all nights we eat any kind of vegetables, and on this night  maror ? 4) On all nights we eat sitting upright or reclining, and on this night we all  recline ? These questions, typically asked by the youngest among the group gathered to share in the Seder feast, are meant to provide an opportunity to recount the unique history that formed and shaped their identity as a people and wove it into a rope. The point of these questions is for everyone, including children, to know the rope so they can hold it. To understand these traditions is to know the rope. And the best part is to hold it. To lose it is to lose your identity. As Christians, we gather at this time of the year to hear the stories that gave birth to our tradition and which inform our embrace of the good news. The stories we hear transcend space and time and reveal the glory of God. The stories that we hear tell of God’s purposes for all the peoples of the earth and God’s desire to renew the world. The stories we hear tell of God’s deep humility and of God’s disposition of love. These stories have not only been woven into our lives, but they shape our lives, they guide us, they inspire and motivate us, and they drive us to do the best that we can for our fellow men and women. These stories take us on a journey of love, joy, peace, and hope. And “Hope”, according to St. Augustine of Hippo, “has two beautiful daughters, their names are anger and courage. Anger at the way things are, and courage to make sure that things don’t remain the same as they are.” The fact is, you must care about the world and love the people in it enough to make the change that the world needs. And so, at Christmas, we celebrate the God who was angry at the way things have been and yet loved the world so much that God assumed human flesh to change the way things are. Things don’t have to be the same. Listen to the Prophet Isaiah: The wolf will live with the lamb,     the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together;     and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear,     their young will lie down together,     and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den,     and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy     on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord     as the waters cover the sea. When we Hold The Rope , we are committing ourselves to the idea that things don’t have to remain the same. When we Hold The Rope, we affirm the Christmas message that the Prophet Isaiah’s vision is still possible. When we Hold the Rope , we embrace this quiet confidence in this belief, that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to turn things around. When we Hold The Rope , we connect ourselves with the past, and we bind ourselves to the future of God. When we Hold The Rope , we commit ourselves to the self-sacrificing love that unites us with God and God with us. As we welcome the Christ child into our world and into our midst this Christmas, we rejoice over such a wonderful gift. In our joyous celebrations with family, friends and even strangers, may we never forget that we are drawn to the greatest story ever told by a love that binds us like a rope unto itself. And that is precisely why I Hold The Rope .   I wish you all the very best of the season. Merry Christmas.  Manny+

Christ Church on Christmas Eve Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Pageant at 4:00 p.m. in New Brick Holy Eucharist at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. in the New Brick Sanctuary and via the CEC website , Facebook, and YouTube Our incredible youth are featured in the 4:00 Christmas Eve worship, a family service that includes a live Nativity. They each have a role and began rehearsals, so join us on Wednesday afternoon, December 24th, to see their wonderful telling of this beautiful story. That evening, our excellent choir and instrumentalists will lead the seasonal music presentation before both uplifting evening services, so arrive at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. to grab great seats and join us as we celebrate in joyous song! Worship begins at 8:00 and 11:00 p.m. Celebrate Christmas Day Thursday, December 25 at 10:00 a.m. in the New Brick Sanctuary and livestreamed on  the CEC website , Facebook, and YouTube Christmas Day Eucharist is a truly wonderful service, and in 2025 it takes place in the Sanctuary of New Brick. And so, as the hymnist suggested...  “Come and worship… worship Christ, the new-born King!”

As we begin Christmas week, these beautiful Advent poems written by parishioner and poet, Pamela Pruitt, take on more significance and power. You can view them on our website, Instagram, and Facebook, and we hope you find them restorative, comforting, and inspirational. We are so grateful for Pam and her willingness to share her art with us. #adventpoem   #poems   #episcomd   #hocomd   #poetrylovers   #poetry   #poetryislife   #poetryoftheday

Christ Church Helps the Homeless by Donating to Grassroots, Buying Clothing to Replenish the Shelves at Its Day Resource Center Your generosity has eased the lives of our homeless neighbors, who rely on the food and clothing available at the Day Resource Center in Jessup. That is one of three sites operated by the Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center , which provides free, 24-hour behavioral health, crisis intervention, and homeless services. The Outreach Commission recently approved several purchases for the DRC, where a team of Christ Church volunteers serves a midday meal each month. In response to DRC requests in November and December, we bought $207 worth of men’s underwear and spent $288 for eight hoodies in large sizes and 31 pairs of men’s jeans. These were purchased with funds donated to the church by parishioners. A hearty thanks! At its December meeting, Outreach also approved a donation of $500 to Grassroots for its various services in Howard County. We heard about the comprehensive nature of those programs on Sept. 21, when a Grassroots representative spoke on the theme of Generosity at Sunday Circle. For a recap of the presentation by Anna Katz, Grassroots director of grants and support, go to the Outreach Blog of Oct. 9, 2025 . She responded with gratitude when notified of our recent donation. “Thank you so much, and it is very much needed with the decrease in grant funds and the increase in demand for services,” Katz wrote. “Wishing everyone at Christ Episcopal a Merry Christmas, and thank you for your support.” On Dec. 18, Grassroots participated in the National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, which is held on or near the Winter Solstice - the date occurred on Dec. 21 this year. Communities across the country recognize the Winter Solstice – the longest night of the year – to remember those who have died while homeless or with a history of homelessness. The memorial service honored 19 people, many of whom had interacted with the Christ Church meals team at the DRC over the years. During a candlelighting ceremony, members of the DRC staff were among those reading the names of those who died in 2025. “Each name we honor represents a life with meaning and a story that deserves to be remembered,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. He issued a call to action to see that “every resident has a pathway to safe, stable housing,” and expressed thanks to the faith community, frontline providers and volunteers, among others. Go to the Facebook Page of the county executive to read Ball’s remarks and view photos. The event was sponsored by the Howard County Department of Housing and Community Development, which posted a video recording on the Facebook page of HowardCountyHousing . (Go to the portion from 45:32 to 50:38 to hear names read during the candlelighting ceremony.) A representative of the Outreach Commission attended the service, hosted by Columbia Baptist Fellowship and the Howard County Coalition to End Homelessness at the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center. CCC Takes Holiday Break, Thanks Supporters of Its Annual Toy Giveaway Day Columbia Community Care (CCC) will be closed for the Christmas holiday, which means there will be no distributions on Saturday, Dec. 27. Those who need assistance may go to “Get Help” on CCC’s website to arrange a future delivery. CCC held a successful giveaway of donated toys and gifts for kids 2 to 16, helping 600 families on Sunday, Dec. 21 during a celebration led by STAND Mentorship at the Homewood School. C heck the CCC Facebook Group for photos and comments. That includes thanks to supporters, including several Christ Church parishioners who donated toys, gifts and new or gently-used children’s books. FISH and CCC partnered earlier this year and merged their pantries. FISH continues to pick up donated goods from Christ Church and others. Please put non-perishable food and personal care products in the altar basket or in a bin just inside the Parish Hall. Look for a combo label “FISH/CCC”. Please bring baby wipes and diapers, especially large sizes.  MOCC's Comfort Cases Donation Drive Thanks to everyone who has already contributed to the MOCC's current R.A.K. ( Random Act of Kindness ), supporting Comfort Cases. In our country today, the number of kids entering the foster care system is steadily rising, and that's where Comfort Cases come in - they're a small duffel bag or backpack designed to provide a bit of comfort for youth as they enter the local foster care system. Every donation aims to provide comfort to those who are experiencing this firsthand. The MOCC is accepting donations from now through January 10th, and you can see a donation bin in the Narthex. You can also speak with Duane Smith or any MOCC member to get more information about Comfort Cases. We are also taking donations for Comfort Cases at this Saturday's Christmas Dinner, so if you're coming, we hope that you'll consider bringing something to help this cause. In general, if you have suggestions about ways to help the community, if you want to get involved, or if you need assistance, please email Christ Church Outreach at outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org . Your help is greatly welcomed and appreciated. Thank you.

The Center for Spiritual Nourishment - Saturday, January 10 Join seekers of a deeper relationship with the Divine at the 2nd Saturday Center for Spiritual Nourishment. CSN offers free experiences for the community that engage the mind, body, and spirit by offering safe spaces to explore an array of opportunities for spiritual growth. This special gathering is for anyone interested in spiritual nourishment, regardless of religious affiliation or spiritual beliefs. Come for one session or the entire morning; our tentative schedule is below. As we begin the new year, consider taking a break from the chaos and treating yourself to a peaceful morning in a soul-nurturing community. The 2nd Saturday Center for Spiritual Nourishment (CSN) provides opportunities for us to be in a closer relationship with God by offering an array of experiences that engage the mind, body, and spirit. Programs for January center around the theme Sacred Visioning  and include a Conversation on Spiritual Practices, Spiritual Direction, Meditation, a film screening of Flywheel , and Sacred Art. It may also feature a spiritual dance session with   Lumen Christi   (more info to come) . More details are coming very soon on our website www.christchurchcolumbia.org/spiritual-nourishment .   #nourishyourspirit   #SpiritualNourishment   #allarewelcome   #RefreshYourSpirit   #refreshyourspirit   #hocomd   #episcomd   #columbiamd   #columbiamaryland

Our incredible youth are featured in the 4:00 Christmas Eve worship, a family service that includes a live Nativity. They each have a role and began rehearsals, so join us on Wednesday afternoon, December 24th, to see their wonderful telling of this beautiful story. That evening, our extraordinary choir and instrumentalists will lead the seasonal music presentation before both uplifting services, so arrive at 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. to grab great seats and join us as we celebrate in joyous song! Worship begins at 8:00 and 11:00 p.m. Christmas Day Eucharist is a truly wonderful service, and in 2025 it takes place in the Sanctuary of New Brick. And so, as the hymnist suggested... “Come and worship… worship Christ, the new-born King!”

As we begin Christmas week, these beautiful Advent poems written by parishioner and poet, Pamela Pruitt, take on more significance and power. You can view them on our website, Instagram, and Facebook, and we hope you find them restorative, comforting, and inspirational. We are so grateful for Pam and her willingness to share her art with us. #adventpoem   #poems   #episcomd   #hocomd   #poetrylovers   #poetry   #poetryislife   #poetryoftheday

After worship this morning, our parish family got together and prepared Christ Church for Christmas - we call it "The Greening of the Church." Come and see the beautiful transformation for yourself, as we present our Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in the New Brick Sanctuary later this afternoon. Christ Church presents this service each year, a truly remarkable gathering whose origins date back to the late 19th century in England. The glorious carols, anthems, and hymns are led by our wonderful choir and interspersed with Bible passages, readings, dances, and much more. It's truly a beautiful celebration of the season, and should not be missed. We will host a reception with beverages and hors d'oeuvres before the service, so gather with us in the New Brick Narthex at 5:00. We will then enter the sanctuary at 6 p.m. for an evening of joyful expression, in word and song, of the greatest story ever told. If you can't gather in person, you can use the service leaflet here , and watch the livestream below.   #lessonsandcarols   #christmas2025   #christmastime   #episcomd   #hocomd   #worship   #Christisborn

As we begin Christmas week, these beautiful Advent poems written by parishioner and poet, Pamela Pruitt, take on more significance and power. You can view them on our website, Instagram, and Facebook, and we hope you find them restorative, comforting, and inspirational. We are so grateful for Pam and her willingness to share her art with us. #adventpoem   #poems   #episcomd   #hocomd   #poetrylovers   #poetry   #poetryislife   #poetryoftheday