Boy – do we need a “great and joyful event” in 2021! We’ve been through the ringer; down in the dumps; thinking this was the last straw; crying a river; down and out; beaten up; well – you know all the phrases. Last year’s Christmas was a real struggle! The weather was bad – after encouraging virtual worship, our internet went out and very few people were in the church building – our children’s pageant was ‘virtual’ and not live – the world was in the thralls of division, COVID and anger. It was easy to miss the angel announcement in 2020 – but, Christmas still arrived – and it was Good News!
This year, things are better. Oh, sure, we still have divisions and still are battling COVID – but things are better. People are coming back to church and to fellowship. Our 5:30 Christmas Pageant (THE GREAT CHRISTMAS DEBATE) will be live. More people will be in the sanctuary on Christmas Eve. Our choirs are back in person bringing us the joyful music of the season. You know what though? We can still miss it!
Don’t let that happen – even if you are worshipping with us virtually! Keep an eye and an ear open to see and hear those angels proclaiming this great event that brings GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY to everyone! Listen to the music, the children, the Christmas story that tell us this Great News! See the decorations, the candles, the smiles that show us this Great News! Our Savior, our Messiah, our Master arrives no matter what is going on in the world around us.
And the angels say: DON’T BE AFRAID, I HAVE WONDERFUL NEWS FOR YOU, COME AND SEE THE BABY, YOU’LL FIND THIS SAVIOR IN THE MOST UNLIKELY OF PLACES, PRAISE GOD! And then we will experience the amazing gift of PEACE!
As your pastor, it’s always fun to announce the birth of a child into our church family. I love holding, seeing, baptizing, and watching them grow. But this baby who arrives every year – WOW! Come and join us anyway you can for Jesus’ Birthday! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
See you in church!
In Jesus’ Love – Dan
