NORTHEAST HARBOR, ME — It’s a moonlit and chilly December dark evening in Maine. Around four-thirty. There’s a heavy dusting of snow on the frozen ground. You’re in your wood fire warmed Downeast home wondering whether the ground is finally frozen so that now the snow will pile up until the February thaw.
You’re also wondering whether the five-cord woodpile will last until May when the last fire is lit. Since 2020, heading into an uncertain 2021, you are also always wondering, at least a little bit, about your kids, your job, your health… When the doorbell rings.
Of course, a world-wide pandemic won’t permit in-person and door-to-door caroling for Christmas 2020, but, in the spirit of the season, as it should be, we can share in some virtual singing. Click the video above, follow the bouncing Sunbeam, and sing along!
I’ve always thought the traditional version of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” is wholly outside the spirit of Christmas. Too demanding: “Bring us some figgy pudding and bring it right here.” Too threatening: “We won’t go until we get some!” And just what is figgy pudding anyway? I guess I can imagine, though I’d rather not.
Instead, we offer “We Wish You a Mission Christmas” recast in the Mission and Christmas spirit. Instead of demanding dried fruit treats, we ask every day how we can help. What can we bring to your table? What joys, small or large, can the Maine Seacoast Mission offer to buoy you and our communities? This Christmas of all Christmases.
This Christmas, I am grateful that the Mission has been able to play such a crucial role during the worldwide pandemic. I am grateful to the communities and individuals who welcome us. I am grateful to the people of every faith tradition for keeping their faith in this season and every season. I am grateful to the donors who support the work. I am so grateful to the Mission staff and board who
just
keep
going…
Most of all, I am grateful to you who have welcomed the Mission into your lives and hearts this Christmas. This year. Every year. So grateful.
Merry Christmas,
John Zavodny
President, Maine Seacoast Mission
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We Wish You a Mission Christmas and a Healthy New Year
Sung to the tune of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
We wish you a Mission Christmas. We wish you a Mission Christmas.
We wish you a Mission Christmas and a Healthy New Year!
Good tidings we bring – white paper, red string.
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We bring you Jillian’s cookies.
Baked in the Sunbeam Galley.
They’re from your Mission family.
With a cup of good cheer!
We bring you a full cupboard.
We bring you Sunday supper.
We bring you hand-knit mittens.
And the gift of good cheer!
Good tidings we bring – white paper, red string.
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year!
We bring you seniors thriving.
We bring you children smiling.
And young adults inspiring.
Their families and peers!
Mission Magic we bring, white paper, red string.
Mission Magic for Christmas and a Healthy New Year!
We wish you a Merry Christmas. We wish you a Merry Christmas.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!