Howdy Baysiders! We have made it to the end of 2020 as the celebration of the birth of Jesus is around the corner and I hope we all are trusting God for the last days of this year .
We arrived just in time for Christmas because baby Jesus is the answer to our current pandemic crises around the world. We all have been through so much in 2020 and the message of Christmas is the gospel message we need to hear. During the holiday rush and stress, there is hope in Christmas. I love what the angel of the Lord tells the shepherds outside of Bethlehem, “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger,” Luke 2:12. In the midst of their job, in the dark, under government oppression, God comes to them with good news. This news is God with us. Thats the power of baby Jesus, God came into our human condition to be with us and save us.
In a time when we might not feel like being in the Christmas spirit or decorating and we prefer to be upset or critical Jesus in the manger reminds us there is always time to have joy. Christmas tells us its not about the stuff or material things we have made the holiday to be but about our hearts being humbled and receptive to God when its least expected. God chose a poor girl, tiny town, and farming tool to bring forth his promise for the world. Think about that. God’s ways aren’t our ways. This is the essence of Christmas, a joyful heart over God’s love for the world. No virus or bad economy can take that away. Some of us have lost our Christmas mojo, perhaps its covid related, or maybe its just getting old and so we are grumpy, cynical, depressed. The manger offers us good news. It’s not about you. Never has been or was. Its about God entering our world and Jesus being the star of the show. We graciously get to be the audience to witness this miracle. The angel tells the shepherds go find Jesus in the manger in Bethlehem. This is our application this holiday season. Go find Jesus. No matter the circumstance you are in, go find him, he is there, Christmas is available if you seek it. Find Jesus today and share joy to the world.
We will be remaining with our online church services and Bible Studies entering the new year until further notice. Wednesday Night devotion will be going on winter break starting on December 23rd and resuming January 13th. Any questions or concerns please reach out to me.
Grace and peace ?:^)
Pastor Aaron