Though we’ve always had Christmases which seem difficult, for most of us this year seems particularly so. A silent, unseen enemy which we can’t seem to catch ahold of—and the rules change on an almost daily basis. A world around us in disarray, where the hope of reconciliation grows dimmer and dimmer. For those of us who are part of the Kingswood family, we’ve seen the passing of several stalwarts of our church, stalwarts of faith. Because of current restrictions we are unable to gather to remember and say goodbye. One such individual is Sarah Edwards, who passed from this life on November 8. Sarah could very well hold the title of Kingswood Matriarch—a Queen Mother of sorts. She was closing in on the century mark in age, yet it did not hinder her faithful attendance and involvement at Kingswood. I will long remember and appreciate Sarah’s countenance in worship—struggling so hard to hear, wanting so badly to sing with the beautiful voice of her youth, now stolen by age. Yet the joy of worship was always there on her face—a lesson for every person present. Sarah was a proud Scot, with a brogue that was, in itself, musical. When she told me of a long-held memory, buried by time, but uncovered by something I said in worship, I persuaded her to record the memory for all of us, in a video produced by Cole Lewallen. She graciously did so—with her trademark charm. That was several years ago, but I watch it every year, always smiling when she closes with her Christmas blessing to all of us.
Christmas in Scotland, 1939 is offered here as a way to remember not only a dear lady, but all of those who have passed into eternal life, “holding the hand of God,” during this difficult year.
Dennis Lewallen
Minister of Worship Arts