Matthew 2:10-12
10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Thursday, December 25 - Christmas Day
On this Christmas Day, our church family will have a broad spectrum of experiences. Some may have no change in traditions and routines, whereas some of you may have experienced a change or loss. However you observe Christmas this year, know that we are here as a whole church family to love and support you all.
Growing up, our family tradition was to close off the living room where all the presents were on Christmas Morning. Before we could gather around the tree and open gifts, we would sit at our dining table, light the Christ candle on our family Advent Wreath, and read the story of Christ’s birth. As children, it was an exercise in patience as much as it was a lesson in our faith. In that moment, we were invited to slow down and keep our perspective on what was really important; God’s great gift of Emmanuel made us who we are today.
The things we gift to one another are good and lovely, but ultimately, things change, wear out, or break. However, the eternal gift of God’s love, realized in the birth of Christ, will never change, wear out, or break. It is the Holy constant that continues to shape and mold us into followers of the one we call Jesus the Christ. It is His birth that we celebrate and give thanks to God for this day.
Prayer: God of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, thank you for the gift of Emmanuel. Help us to live in and share your Love beyond this season of Christmas. Amen.
