I hope and pray that everything is ready for Christmas in your house and this Christmas will be one of peace. Christmas Eve worship is at 4:00 pm at both Grey Eagle UMC and Peace United Church. Bob Kutter will be leading worship at Grey Eagle and I will be at Peace United. Everyone is welcome to attend.
I am, at this moment, wearing a T-shirt that has a cute shepherd scene outside Bethlehem and the caption “The Reason for the Season is Jesus”. So often we hear people wanting to “Put Christ back into Christmas.” Here is a great picture (meme) about that topic. It came from Carolyn Winfrey Gillette although it may not be original to her.
I love the true Christian sentiment of the answer.
The lectionary lessons assigned for Christmas Eve are:
Isaiah 9:2-7 – There will be a child born who will bring justice and peace and who will rule forever.
Psalm 96 – We sing a new song because God brings marvelous works. All creation should rejoice and sing!
Titus 2:11-14 – God’s grace has appeared bringing salvation to all through our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) – Pregnant Mary goes with David to Bethlehem and gives birth to Jesus. Angels sing and shepherds visit.
The lessons assigned for Christmas Day are:
Isaiah 52:7-10 – The people will see the return of God who will comfort and redeem Jerusalem.
Psalm 98 – Again, we sing a new song because God’s victory is assured.
Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) – God has spoken to us by his Son who is the “exact imprint of God’s being”.
John 1:1-14 – The Word. The Light. The Life. And we have see his glory, full of grace and truth.
Finally, the lessons assigned for Sunday, December 28 (First Sunday after Christmas) are:
Isaiah 61:10-62:3 – The Lord brings salvation and will cause righteousness and praise to spring up. All will see what God will do.
Psalm 148 – All humanity, all creatures, and all creation are called on to praise God whose glory is above all.
Galatians 4:4-7 – When the time was right, God sent Jesus, born of a woman, so we might be adopted as God’s children.
Luke 2:22-40 – This really should start in verse 21. Jesus is named, then dedicated at the Temple. Simeon says that Mary will experience “a sword piercing her soul” because of Jesus. Old Anna sees Jesus at the Temple and praises God. Do you see Jesus and praise God?
Have a wonderful Christmas with family, friends, and the peace of Christ.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Gary Taylor
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