Baby Jesus and Santa Claus

Our lesson in Sunday School yesterday was "Baby Jesus and Santa Claus." While there was something of a light hearted nature in this class, it is a serious subject. I originally intended to present this in one session, the Sunday before Christmas. But, there is just too much there. (And I am somewhat verbose, especially when I am using a powerpoint presentation to illustrate the story being told.) We did not finish yesterday and will continue the topic next Sunday and possibly the next.

I am comfortable placing the story of Santa in the Christmas story, even the biblical story of the birth of Jesus. Come worship with us at McFarlin and come to Sunday School next week as we continue this brief study.

Candlelight Carol Service. For those of you who attended the Candlelight Carol Service at McFarlin last night, you were truly blessed. Twenty-five years ago we attended our first such service and were so pleased with it that that service, along with dis-covering the Searchers class, played an important part in our decision to become members of the McFarlin United Methodist Church in Norman. Each year I look forward to this event.

Children's Choirs

Wesley Choir

The Children's Choir and the Wesley Choir show just how many children we have and how involved they are. Their directors and leaders are all volunteers and they do a tremendous job. The voices of these young people surely cause the angels to pause and listen.

High School Choir

The High School Choir (they have another name but I do not remember it) was striking in its performance. Look at the large number of high school kids. I only hope you were there to hear them sing. What a beautiful sound of praise and adoration. Dr. Richard Zielinski is the interim director of the adult choirs and his presence is certainly felt. An instructor at the University of Oklahoma, he brings years of expertise in directing choral groups and in a very short time he has left his impression on our musical department. He directed the High School Choir and this is the best performance that group has ever given.


The adult choirs were their same wonderful selves! As was the bell choir which performed. We have come to expect these groups to give professional quality performances and we have never been disappointed in them.

It was a wonderful night and I hope you were there. If not, or even if you were, start making plans to attend next year. I promise you, you will be blessed for having been there.

(I apologize for the quality of the pictures of the choirs. These were taken from the balcony and this was asking quite a bit of an iphone camera.)