Jesus Christ is Born

The introduction of my “The Message” Bible by Eugene H. Peterson says “The arrival of Jesus signaled the beginning of a new era. God entered history in a personal way and made it unmistakably clear that he is on our side, doing everything possible to save us. It was all presented and worked out in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It was, and is, hard to believe-seemingly too good to be true.”

What a wonderful time this Christmas season is for all of us. My parents believed in celebrating the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ to us from our Lord. As a child with two brothers and a sister, we traveled to one grandparent’s house to celebrate Christmas Eve and then the other one to celebrate Christmas Day. One of homes was ¼ mile from our house while the other was 150 miles from ours. Yesterday, December 14, twenty-five our family celebrated together.

It has continued to be a tradition in my lifetime to see family at Christmas because I believe, as my parents did, that Christmas is when God gave us the best gift humanity has ever received. Our family is so important to me and because Jesus was born, we are saved from our sins. 

After we pass away, Thessalonians 4:14-18 says, since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who died in Jesus. He’ll come down from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise—they’ll go first. Then the rest of us who are still alive at the time will be caught up with them into the clouds to meet the Master. Oh, we’ll be walking on air! And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So, reassure one another with these words. 

Sandra Hilsabeck

Christmas Day

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 

Christmas Eve

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:1-20

Joy: Words from Romans

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. Romans 15:13 

Hope: Words from Psalm 130

I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. Psalm 130:5 

Light: Words from Psalm 36

In thy Light shall we see Light. Psalm 36:9 

Blue Christmas

"Comfort, O Comfort my people, says your Lord.” Isaiah 40:1

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens; and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30 

Our expectations for Advent and Christmas are a joyful and wonderful time of year. But it can be a stressful time for many people. Everything around us is merry and bright but there is an ache in our heart that won’t go away. Whether that ache is from the death of a loved one, the loss of a relationship or there is something else causing pain, we seek a time of reflection, acceptance and healing.

Some churches offer a Blue Christmas service where persons can share in a time of sadness and seeking hope. Heather Hill created a Blue Christmas service that she gives permission for anyone to use. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and Lincoln Berean Church in Lincoln offered Blue Christmas services this year.

Most Blue Christmas services begin in silence with a time of reflection, followed by scripture, and a liturgy of remembrance with candlelight. It is a time to remember persons who participants have loved and lost. Persons remember their name, their voice, their face, and the memory that binds them to us in this season. Persons can hold them before God, giving thanks for their lives.           

Prayer: Dear God, help us remember that Christmas may not be a time of joy for some persons. Help us to reach out to those with sad and aching hearts during this season. Amen.  

Lois Poppe (reprinted from 2018)