Memorable and Moving

by Jennifer Acker on December 28, 2023

I realize this blog will post online AFTER Christmas; however, it should be noted that I’m writing this on Christmas Eve. I’m currently sitting in the Narthex as I’m listening to the 7pm Christmas Eve worship service. I’m being flooded with all the reasons why I love Christmas. At the same time, I’m being flooded with reminders about how this is a difficult season for so many people. I’ve seen smiles today and I’ve seen tears. Some people are here celebrating their first Christmas with a new baby and some people are celebrating their first Christmas after the loss of a loved one. I’ve seen so many people greet and hold one another with compassion and caring today…meeting one another where they are. The glimpses of God’s love that I’ve seen today truly make my heart smile.

I’m filled with gratitude tonight because Christmas Eve worship services always seem like a family reunion for me (since I get to see so many people that I don’t always get to see). I’m also filled with gratitude about the morning Christmas Eve Family Worship Service. It was not only fun, but more importantly, it was memorable and moving (if you missed the service, you can use this link to watch a summary and see photos about the special gift we gave the kiddos). https://www.facebook.com/share/v/MUkqJN64GWd1GijN/?mibextid=WC7FNe

I am hopeful that the joy that was shared during each of the Christmas Eve worship services will remind each person present that they are loved, and they are to go out and share God’s love with others. If you weren’t able to make it to the “Family Reunion” celebration that was Christmas Eve worship, please know that you were missed, and you are loved.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could make this season memorable and moving for LOTS of people that we encounter? It’s not too late! Remember that the Christmas season continues until Epiphany! So, let’s covenant to check in on those who are struggling this time of year. Let’s also covenant to go out and share God’s hope, peace, joy and love so that we might have a part in making this Christmas season memorable and moving for everyone we meet.

About the Author

Jennifer Acker

Jennifer Acker began serving as the Director of Ministry with Children and Their Families at FUMC Hurst in February 2016. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Child Development and Family Studies from the University of North Texas.

Jennifer has previously taught at the University of North Texas and specialized in Child Development, Parenting in Diverse Families, Marriage Education, Romantic Relationships, and Families, Schools, and Community Resources courses. She is certified in several marriage and parenting curricula.

Jennifer was previously a Child Life Specialist at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth and a Project Director at The Parenting Center. She has organized and facilitated therapeutic groups, events, and camps for children with special needs. She has experience with post adoption families, marriage retreat facilitation, and respite care coordination. She is a previous Executive Committee member of the Healthy Marriage – Healthy Families Coalition of Tarrant County and the Fatherhood Coalition of Tarrant County.

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