From the Pastor’s Desk:
It seemed like only a few days ago we were celebrating Thanksgiving and now we are celebrating the 4th Sunday of Advent. It is important to remember what we are celebrating and why. In the newspaper a man wrote, “Christmas is about God coming in the flesh to save mankind from an eternal place in hell.” Our country has for the last 25-30 years sought to take Christ out of Christmas and using the Constitution to tell us we cannot sing songs about Jesus or have a Nativity scene on the courthouse lawn.
Why are some people so concerned that Christianity needs to be removed from the public eye? Could it be that the reason people want Jesus Christ out of everything is that they are afraid and offended by the Gospel? The Gospel says we are all sinners and that we need a savior. Christ is our savior who chose to be born, to live, and to die for you and me. On Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Son of God. If that upsets people, then they shouldn’t have a tree, or give presents, or have special food on the 25th of December, or send cards. They should go to work on Christmas Day while Christians celebrate. It is not “Happy Holidays” time; it is Christmas, the birthday of Christ. This year more than ever we need to celebrate our Savior’s birth into our world of pain, suffering and dying. Jesus is the ray of hope, joy and love.
Advent is a journey into the mystery of God, the reckless love of God, the spiritual reality of God, the Incarnation. Within all of us—male or female, young or old, atheist, Muslim, Jew, or Christian, there is something missing that makes the human being incomplete. We are searching and longing for that something. I believe that that something is being in the presence of God, the love of God, the very being of God.
As we celebrate His birth this Christmas Eve/Christmas Day, listen to the words of the heavenly hosts: “Glory to God in the highest and peace to his people on earth.” These are the words we now sing in the Gloria. Be at peace, receiving from the Lord the gift of a loving, trusting, and prayerful heart. Have a blessed and joyous Christmas.