Christmas Reflection

Law/Gospel Theme: Jesus was born as the fulfillment of God’s promises to us. This Savior was sent to live and die so that we may be restored to the Father. Just as the angels announced His coming and His birth, we should be excited to announce who Jesus is and what He has done for us.      

Prayer:    O Lord Jesus, we meet you here at the crib. We marvel at your being born in weakness. As we also have been born. Give us the strength and the love to follow you through all the seasons of our earthly life.

Hymn: # 63 O Come All Ye Faithful

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit.

That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing, which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying, and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (KJV)

Hymn: # 66 O Little Town of Bethlehem

Out in the fields. A group of shepherds stood guard over their flock that night. Such flocks were always needed for the sacrifices of the Temple at Jerusalem. A mere six miles away. Informed of the birth by an angel. The shepherds went to Bethlehem. They found the babe. Wrapped in swaddling clothes. Lying in a manger. And they repeated the message they had received. For some. The shepherds’ words were a passing wonder, “but Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19).

By faith we journey with them to Bethlehem. For this good news of Jesus’ birth was given by the angel to shepherds who went to see the new- born king.

With the shepherds we visit the new-born king. The shepherds were keeping watch. To guard the flock against thieves and robbers. Into the night of the world Jesus came as the true Light. A symbol of this truth was the heavenly light.

A question. Why is it that so few experience the true joy of Christmas?

The answer. Is that they have not heard the good news. Told by the angel to these shepherds. It is told to you this day.

The source of our joy is found in these words: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”   Luke 2:11

Who is born? “To you is born this day a Savior.” This is good news. For those in need of a Savior. And when is He born? “This day!”

Christmas is an everyday experience. Not a historical observance. Of an ancient event. Today is the day of salvation. This is the day the Lord has made. Now He is making all things new.

“To you is born a Savior.” We now tell His story with joy.

Like the shepherds we share His story with others. The shepherds were afraid. In the face of the divine glory. And holiness. But they had no need to fear. Because the angel’s message was not judgment. But of salvation. Not only to the shepherds. But to all people.

To whom is He born? He is born “to you.” “To you is born this day a Savior.” It is not Christmas for you unless Christ is re-born in you. Thus we can say with the hymn writer: “Cans out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.”

 The Christmas story is for real. It was to real live humans that the story of the Christ child was delivered. The first announcement of this birth came to despised people. It came not to the rulers. The educated. The scribes. Or the pious Pharisees. This news came not to the elite. But to shepherds. – The despised. Unlearned. Crude. Rough people. Those listed with publicans and sinners. For He is a real Savior. Who has come to save real sinners. In His birth. Suffering. Passion. Death and resurrection. There is forgiveness, salvation, and life.

Lord Jesus Thank you for coming to Earth for us.

Thank you for living and dying for our sins.

Please help us live in the joy of that understanding.

And help us to share the good news with others.

The Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers for all especially the sick and suffering.

The Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.

The Lord has given us life in a nation of opportunities and liberty; with public services such as fire and police protection, ambulances, food pantries, schools, libraries, and hospitals. We thank you Lord for our national life.

The Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

The Lord has given us a world full of creatures that crawl, fly, swim, and climb. We enjoy a bounty of flowers and shrubs, grass and trees, plants and moss, and rocks and hills. We thank you Lord, for your creation.

The Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.[1]

[1] September-15.2024-10AM-17th-Sunday-after-Pentecost.pdf (stmarksnewcanaan.org)

Image copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things