Pastors Pen
December 2024
What does the Advent Season, and more specifically Christmas mean to you? I remember being in high school in the 80’s and hearing a commercial where Advent was reduced to the gift-giving season. Even though I was not a Christian, I remember how offended I was by that statement. I thought to myself, “This is what Christmas time has been reduced to?” To be clear, I was not the sharpest tool in the shed, nor was I on some mission to put Christ “back in Christmas”. However, despite not being a Christian (and not going to church), I knew deep down that Christmas meant something more. Now, I know what the birth of the Savior means. As much as I like presents, family, food and parties, it’s not about that.
What does Christmas mean to me? Christmas is the eternal reminder that the LORD of creation loves sinful humanity, of the great lengths He went to in order to redeem a lost people, shining the light of the Gospel in the darkness of sin. For me, Christmas brings me back to this reality: YAHWEH always fulfills His promises- namely, the resurrection! Because Jesus rose from the grave as promised, we now know for sure those who have died in Christ will rise from the dead and take our seat at the heavenly banquet table. Christ in the manger is the LORD’s way of giving us hope for the future (in good times and bad). By fulfilling the promise of the coming Savior, we know for sure we can trust that He will fulfill all His promises. “Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14.
“And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’” Luke 2:10-11
“But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not
here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.’” Matthew 28:5-6.
Loved ones, our salvation is secure! Hosanna in the highest!
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Steve