How easily the true meaning of Christmas can be lost in the frenzy of unending Christmas activities – shopping and parties and shopping and caroling and buying and . . . .  But rather than be discouraged by the misguided focus on the material rather than the holy that is so prevalent, I hope you will be encouraged. Why? It struck me as I saw the rerun of the 10 second countdown to the lighting of the Christmas Tree on Rockefeller Plaza Wednesday night. Did any of you see it? What happened at the moment the tree was lit up? The words “Joy to the World, the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room” blared out over the loud speakers. Fulton Buntain wrote, “Stop and listen . . . strange, isn’t it? The throngs and the shops so captivated by its own secularism and sophistication, and yet, they can’t get away from Him! Listen as you walk through the department stores . . . so powerful, so moving, so precious. “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing. . . Glory to the Newborn King . . .” Jesus is the central personality of history, and whether Christmas is canned or canonized . . . packaged in ribbon and sold for profit or sanctified in a cathedral where humble souls worship, He is the inescapable Christ.” Rather than complain that Christmas should not be exploited, let’s give thanks that Jesus is being proclaimed from every car radio and shopping mall speaker, and stay alert for any opportunity to share your love for the Christ of Christmas with those around you.

This Sunday we will be continuing our look at some important themes raised by one of my favorite movies – It’s A Wonderful Life. This week we will be considering two special passages that I encourage you to read in advance: Isaiah 11:1-10 and Matthew 3:1-12. We will be looking at how we can find hope in the midst of even the bleakest of circumstances. 

Following worship we will be enjoying Christmas cookies, and then, don’t forget that a special Christmas Jazz Vespers will be happening Sunday from
5–6:00PM.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,
Mike