During Christmastide we encounter more than just a babe in a manger, at least on the streets where we live and shop. Both the savior and the season that celebrates him have undergone a Madison Avenue makeover that would make Jesus unrecognizable by his own contemporaries. Jesus has been playing on Broadway and is the subject of theme parks, a far cry from either Bethlehem or Golgotha.

Since a majority of Americans claim membership in one Christian church or another, perhaps it is time for Unitarian Universalists to stand up for Jesus the radical reformer rather than Jesus the celebrity. We just may be about the only ones who can.

Joining me on the Chancel will be Pastoral Care Minister Rev. Fred Rabidoux, Community Minister Emerita Rev. Kay Jorgensen, Ministerial Intern Joel Gilbertson-White, and worship associates Christine Patch-Lindsay and Phoebe Masterson-Eckart. The choir will minister in music.

If you have friends who are challenged by "the reason for the season," then this Sunday's service of worship and celebration is a great time to invite them to church with you.

We celebrate this holy night though sacred text and heart-warming stories, by carol singing and the ringing of bells; with trumpet fanfares and the flickers of light we announce the birth of one child as we celebrate the hope that all children bring with them upon their arrival in our world.

According to Waldemar Argow, "Christmas stills the darkling fear with ancient dreams that cannot be -- but are." Join us as we live the dreams of Christmas, dreams that "cannot be" on any night, save one.

Come early and bring your friends and neighbors for a celebration of Christmas like no other

St. Mary's Cathedral has graciously offered free parking from 4 -6 pm for those attending our Christmas Eve service. St. Mary's parking lot is on the west side of Gough Street, immediately after the Geary Street intersection. We are grateful to these good neighbors.

Come and enjoy singing the old holiday songs at Forum with Erich Sylvester and Eric Shackelford and the Society's Folk Orchestra.

Both children and adults are welcome!

Stop in for cookies, treats, and music.

Come Sunday and celebrate a traditional Christmas. We have it all - caroling with the Forum, creating swags from pine, making ornaments and cards, plus our own version of the nativity - lots of fun and lots to do!

Then on Christmas Eve, as in many Christmas Eves past, the children will stage the nativity tableau in the service. If your child wants to participate, there is still room at the manger for shepherds and angels.

Join in by coming to the two rehearsals Sunday: the first is at 12:00 in the Chapel and the second is the final dress rehearsal, 12:30 in the Sanctuary.

The photograph above was taken by Sharon Hwang Colligan at last week's singing of solstice songs. See more photos from the celebration in an online slide show

Young Religious Unitarian Universalists will meet Sunday at 12:30 for all youth in grades 7 through 12. So grab a snack and come hang out together.

For more information contact Eric Swanson to help you get connected with the group's Facebook page where you will find all the latest information about what's happening.

The show will continue until January 24.

Rev. Campbell Gross has loved art all her life. She trained and practiced as a furniture designer. She parented, with her husband Peter, six children. She was ordained to the Unitarian Universalist Ministry, and served congregations in New Jersey and California. And, she painted whenever she could.

In 2004 Rev. Campbell Gross retired as Minister of this Society. Since then, she has been able to spend more time working in her studio.

Painting is the process by which Margot recalls, and responds, to her world. The spiral emerges again and again, a symbol of this exploration of the wonder of life.

The Pagan Interest Circle invites you, your friends, and your family to the annual Winter Solstice Celebration Saturday (December 19) at 7 pm in Starr King Room.

A potluck feast follows the service, and you're invited to bring food or drink to share.

For more information, please call Nancy or Joe at 242-1608.

Sign up Sunday in the Starr King room to be part of a Small Group Ministry sponsored after-service program, January 10, that includes pizza and an on-the-spot small group experience.

Sharing lunch and participating in small groups with current members and facilitators will give you the opportunity to explore what community building can add to your Unitarian Universalist experience.

This is a great way to try out small groups during the January enrollment.

Pictured above: Trudy Lionel and Eric Langhirt have stories to tell about the stones they brought to Monday Small Group Ministry as their contribution to Stone Soup, the meeting topic about community building. (Photo by Alison Rittger)