Rev. Chism's Weekly Message

"While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." - Luke 2:6-7

The Hallmark Channel, as they do annually, is rolling out their Christmas movies. I think they start in October like the stores putting Christmas stuff next to the Halloween stuff.

You know the plot. Girl meets a guy or guy meets girl. Christmas joy is in doubt for some reason. Yet in the end someone in the plot saves the day and every one is together breaking out the egg nog. Then there is that obligatory kiss under the mistletoe. Happy-ever-after begins!

Many times us pastors around the world have tried our best to tell the whole story of Christmas. It wasn't a Hallmark movie by any means. There was often civil unrest. Poverty was rampant. People were being overtaxed to support Rome. It was simply a hard time. Add being born in the muck of the manger it was not easy.

Let's focus on the hope, joy, peace and love this year. The miracle of God sending his only begotten Son and the hope He would bring. There is joy in the birth of a child and it is a miracle. God wants us to all have spiritual peace...another miracle to help us through times such as these. God sent us Agape Love in Jesus to let us know we are not alone. Love is a miracle.

Mary and Joseph knew the great importance of Jesus. They persevered through the hard times before (and after) His birth. And when he was born in the manger, Luke did not record any complaining about the conditions. Shepherds were called into to celebrate after they were given an angelic message. There was much rejoicing.

Could you imagine Mary and Jesus holding the Savior of the world for the first time? And then they swaddled Him and placed Him in the fresh hay of the manger. There is so much humility in this story. I try to remember this and whom I serve every single day.

God had put into place all the ingredients to make this miracle happen. All the pieces came together to make it happen. Unlikely people were called to this great event. The waiting and patience the people practiced finally happened and the prophets of old were proven right. The rest of the world would find out about the Christmas miracle around thirty years later.

Jesus would stand up for those hurting the most. He would talk to people about life and help. Healing would come to many. Jesus would challenge the establishment to look at people in a different way. Lastly, He taught people about the real God.

That night Jesus was born was a Hallmark moment. Everything came together. Two beautiful parents, after much strife, became parents. The Bethlehem Star shined brightly. There was an angelic chorus from the heavens. What a beautiful and holy moment that would mark the beginning of the greatest gift ever.

We can find joy in the "manger" too. God gave us this Gift of Christ.

Merry Christmas to you all! All of you are in my prayers.

Stay Safe,

Rev. Baxter