Message from Pastor Woody
Over the years, I have been given and I have purchased several Nativity Scenes. I think that I have about 40, but I never get them all out at one time. These nativity scenes are what we should think about as Christmas draws near.
They come in all sizes. One has 3 pieces and could fit inside a thimble. Another is a complete village. Made of wood, metal and ceramic, these figures remind me of what this is all about: the birth of Jesus Christ. Sometimes we are lured into thinking otherwise, but the truth is, without the birth of the Savior, there would be no store sales, no wrapping paper, and no rushing about. And, even more importantly, we would not have salvation in our lives. We need to stay focused. We might need to consider priorities. We certainly need to know why we do the things we do.
Long ago, on a cold night, a man and woman took a journey. Mary was expecting her first child and was scared. Joseph was too young to have the responsibility of being a father. They were poor but had to follow the rules: register for the census. The journey they took was long and hard and by the time they reached Bethlehem, the labor pains had begun and it was time for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth in a stable, laid the baby in a manger and pondered what it meant to be the mother of the Son of God. Soon shepherds came because they had seen a star and heard the angels. they followed the star to where the baby had been born. Others came as well and soon all the region knew that God had fulfilled his promise: this was Emmanuel, the Christ Child, the Son of God. No Christmas trees. No strings of lights. There were no great feasts or gifts wrapped up in fancy paper and adorned with bows. No one had displays in their front yards and not a store had a sale. This was a sacred day: Jesus had been born.
My wish for you this Christmas is that this baby lives in your heart and that you celebrate His birthday. Barbara and I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2012. May God bless all of you. We love you so much.
Pastor Woody
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