REMEMBER
THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
Sunday,
November 29th is the first Sunday of advent which means the
celebration of our Lord’s birth is only four weeks after that. So what preparations are you making to
celebrate? What, not as many this year because
of the pandemic? Maybe not as many
family get-togethers? For
the first time in our family our table will not be complete for Christmas
dinner, since one daughter lives in Arkansas and the risk of spreading the
virus is great right now. Maybe for some
it will promote a deeper meaning of what Christmas is all about – that “baby
Jesus” was born in Bethlehem.
Think
about it! Jesus’ birth also included some inconveniences. Mary was almost nine months pregnant when she
and Joseph had to make that trek to Bethlehem.
Today the trip would not be much, about 100 miles, but then it meant
walking. Artists have pictured them having
a donkey for Mary, but there’s no mention of this in Scripture. There was a crowded Bethlehem, no rooms left
for travelers. What’s left—a stable,
possibly a cave? Scripture doesn’t say.
It was many years later that St. Francis of Assisi displayed the baby in
a stable. Scripture says that the baby
was “laid in a manger” following His birth.
Mangers were not only in stables, some were along the street or behind a
house.
The
most important words of the narration of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2) is found in the
words of the angel to those lowly shepherds in the hills around Bethlehem:
“Today in the town of David (Bethlehem) a Savior has been born to you; He is
the Messiah, the Lord,” (NIV)
In
that brief sentence of the angels is the assured joy of Christmas – the
fulfillment of all the O.T. prophecies.
He was God’s fulfillment of His promised Messiah, who would grant
salvation to all mankind, so that whoever believes in Him has eternal life.
Some
traditions may have to be curtailed, some visits may not happen, but God
provided the true miracle of Christmas - Jesus. Take the time to call a friend. Call someone you haven’t seen. Attend church if possible or watch a service
on-line. We plan to have a Christmas Day
service at 10:30 a.m. (masks and spacing) and on our web page at:
faithwashingtonmo.blogspot.com
Above all else praise God, Who became incarnate (in flesh) for you so
you can have His peace in your heart as we face the problems of this
world. He will strengthen your hopes and
bless you with true joy as you remember the purpose of His coming. Merry Christmas to each of you. -- Rev. James W. Rhiver. Pastor
Season’s
Schedule: (Masks and Spacing maintained)
Sunday mornings – 10:30 -- Special Advent Services (Nov. 29, Dec. 6,
13 & 20)
Friday, Dec. 25th --10:30 a.m.
-- Christmas Day Worship
