I unexpectedly stumbled into the real Christmas spirit recently.
A close friend invited me to his church men’s group meeting. About twenty of us gathered for a fish fry dinner prepared by a few members. Then they had their meeting beginning with a brief devotional and followed discussion of the group’s activities. I was one of the younger attendees, which is typical today for such groups.
As a visitor, I was kind of detached from the proceedings, but I remember thinking at the time if Major Henry Martyn Roberts had any idea in 1876 that his manual, Robert’s Rules would become the liturgical guide for meetings of every size a century and a half later, he likely would have been astounded. Like so many occasions in my life, the familiar process of conducting the communal business of assemblies like this one moved from step through familiar step in a reassuring ritual.
Beginning with the call to order and officer reports, carefully noted and duly approved with motions and seconds, we arrived at old business – aptly named for this group. The presiding officer led through discussions of projects and activities underway or upcoming.
There was a focus on Christmas-related activities, of course, like toys and clothes for the needy and scheduling bellringers for Salvation Army kettles. Their most ambitious long-term project was Meals on Wheels, providing drivers to deliver food prepared by the local hospital.
From their words, I could tell they felt an additional significance in this year-round ministry during December. Many of the men, like my friend, had been doing it for decades. Soon the conversation devolved into swapping opinions about the best way to run the delivery routes, particular encounters with grateful recipients, and anecdotes undoubtedly shared before but appreciated, nonetheless.
Sitting there I was moved by their long and faithful service to their community. Then I realized they were literally the embodiment fulfilling the ancient Christmas promise from a night long ago: good men bringing peace and good will to all.
