On This Holy Night

I will readily admit that I am better at preaching sermons than I am at listening to them, so I may not quote the words exactly as Pastor Andy spoke them. He told the story of another pastor's five year old daughter, who was able to put Christmas into bleak but accurate perspective.  She said, as heard by her mother, preached by Pastor Andy and heard then later recalled by me, "Why so much fun at Christmas when he's just going to die?"

Yes, sometimes a PK's (preacher's kid's) theology develops early in life.  Pastor Andy said this is not the message he would choose to share on Christmas Eve.  Neither would I, at least not this blatantly.  But, when you stop to give it a moment's thought, this child is onto something.

What was the news that the shepherds received?  "Don't be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you--wonderful, joyous news for all people. Your savior is born today in David's city. He is Christ the Lord."

A savior. Our savior. And yes, as we are reminded by a five year old, to be our savior, Jesus had to die.  But, on this holy night we celebrate, with joy and gusto. We celebrate a birth. We celebrate our savior.  We celebrate good news.  Good Friday can wait.

My prayer is that no matter where you find yourself tonight, no matter what your circumstances in life are, you will hear the news of the Savior's birth and receive the news with joy.  The magnitude of God's gift must not be underestimated.  God's love for us knew no limit.

Merry Christmas!  --JC