Star Wars is everywhere.
The telling point for me was Jeremy Gifford’s video ad for North Pointe’s Christmas Eve service. The out takes were hilarious. He says his parched throat makes him sound like “Chewbacca.” Then he wheezed like a Wookie.
I’m not a big Star Wars fan but even I didn’t need to ask, “Chew, who?”
STAR WARS
How big is the Star Wars phenomenon?
It’s no Jedi mind trick that makes me know you’ll recognize some if not all of the following terms:
“May the Force be with you.”
“In a galaxy far, far away.”
“Do or do not… there is no try.”
C3PO
R2D2
Ewoks
Wookies
Skywalker
Darth Vader
Jedi
Lightsabers
FANTASY FICTION
George Lucas created a fantasy galaxy that is not so far, far away. The worlds and characters he brought into existence have become familiar to us.
That’s what makes Star Wars so popular. One commentator points out,
“One of the things that really does make Star Wars such a potent fantasy world for young viewers is the density of detail. They want to know the names of every single weird and freaky thing they see onscreen, and they like saying the names, and they like testing each other on their ability to recall all the names.”
THE DENSITY OF DETAIL
On the eve of “The Force Awakens” I think of another eve whose story has woven its way into our minds.
“Joy to the world.”
“On earth, peace, goodwill.”
Noel
Joseph
Manger
Angels
Shepherds
Virgin
Star
Bethlehem
Emmanuel
PONDER THE WONDER
When I think of Christmas the word that best describes it for me is “wonder.” I take my cue from Mary for what to do with wonder:
“Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
To ponder is to consider something deeply and thoroughly. Christmas is worth pondering. Its worth setting aside time to meditate on the meaning of the story; to think about what you believe; to invite God to speak to you. 
AWAKEN
I’ll probably join millions of others to see “The Force Awakens” over the holidays. I’m sure it will be entertaining.
I will be pondering the events of two thousand years ago in our own galaxy. I hope you’ll join me.
Christmas can awaken a devotion to the wonder of God’s love for you.
You’re invited to join us at North Pointe on Christmas Eve at 3:00pm; 4:30pm and 6:00pm to treasure the wonder of Christmas.
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Hi! How long is the service? Are kids (age 8) allowed to attend?
Each service is 60 minutes. Children are very welcome! In fact some children will be sharing in the service through songs and scripture recitation.
Do we need a membership to attend on Christmas Eve? We’ve come to the family carnival for years but have not attended a service before.
No need for a membership. We are a “come as you are” community and welcome everyone. When you attend on Christmas Eve please make sure you see me to say “Merry Christmas.”
Will do. 🙂