For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17 (NIV)
This year, Christmas Eve might be a bit quieter as we manage through this pandemic that has curtailed holiday festivities. “Quieter” might not be a bad way to celebrate; just as it was on that night all those years ago.
Silent night, Holy night, all is calm, all is bright.
Maybe you will have time to watch one of the more popular holiday season movies appropriately named, “A Christmas Story.” This movie opened with little fanfare in 1983 and has become a classic film. The cable network TNT has a 12 showing, 24-hour marathon beginning every Christmas Eve with over 40 million tuning in to watch adult Ralphie Parker narrate and reminisce about the Christmas when he was nine years old. This movie jogs childhood memories for all of us but reminds us of our quest for the ultimate gift.
Maybe you will take time with your family to read another familiar Christmas story that took place many years ago. While it may not have made it to TV marathon status, it has been told in every format imaginable for over 2,000 Christmas seasons. According to a Pew Institute Survey there are over 2.3 billion Christians in the world who are quite familiar with the “Original Christmas Story.” It was told by angels to shepherds who were the first narrators of the blessed story that would change and transform countless lives. These lowly shepherds gazed upon the illuminating face of God. Later magi (wise men), who had traveled from afar and had studied the prophecy of the coming Messiah, followed the rising star bearing treasures for a king (Matthew 2:11). They were overwhelmed with joy upon the site of the boy. Can you even imagine that scene? Why Shepherds? Why Magi? What did they see? What was their quest?
“When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.” Luke 2:17-18 (NRSV)
God never forgot his promise to Abraham that his descendant would reign forever with a never-ending kingdom. His name would be Immanuel to remind us that God is with us no matter what. The name above all names.
“And this is his commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us.” 1 John 3:23 (NRSV)
Now it may seem hard to believe that some have not seen “A Christmas Story” given the number of times it has been shown on the television screen. It may also seem difficult to fathom that there are folks who do not know the “Original Christmas Story”. The earth has over 7.5 Billion inhabitants which means that close to 70% of the earth’s population may not know the hidden treasure of the “Original Christmas Story.” It starts with a young woman named Mary told by the angel Gabriel that she is favored to be the mother and given the blessed responsibility to raise Jesus the Son of the Most High. Her only answer could be “How can this be since I am a virgin?” After being reaffirmed by her visit with Elizabeth, she shares her praise for the loving God who has chosen her, a lowly servant, to be part of this grand plan to reveal a unique gift to the world according to the promise given to Abraham. (Luke 1:46) A young AUMCer commented at a recent small group study, “How floored you would be if you were told that your helpless little baby would be the savior of the entire world? The savior of the world is a baby! Say what?”
“But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 (NRSV)
Round yon virgin Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace. Sleep in heavenly peace.
“Love” is the last call to action on the Advent calendar we celebrate. Now Hope, Peace and Joy are complete with what is the most important virtue we can give and receive.
“Little children let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him.” 1 John 3:18-19 (NRSV)
Paul shared with us that to love, is the greatest virtue of all. Love is the treasure of our heart that we are to store up. Love is the action we are to share with our Savior and our neighbor. Love calls us to act when our heart is connected to the Holy Spirit.
“And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NRSV)
CS Lewis in his book titled, “The Four Loves” describes four types of love: affectionate, friendship, romantic and divine. This divine love called “agape” is the unconditional love that graces us by our relationship with Jesus Christ. God offers it to us with no strings attached. We just need to accept this love and allow it to transform us. Through the birth of his son, He offered love to those who would choose to believe. Sadly, even back then, not all accepted God’s most treasured gift.
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)
There was only one gift that Ralphie wanted more than anything in the world: A Red Ryder BB Gun. His own mother, his teacher and the department store Santa Clause all had the same warning, “You’ll shoot your eye out kid.” Why could they not see that he only wanted this special gift to practice his superior marksmanship? While dejected, Ralphie never gave up hope of receiving the gift of all gifts.
What gifts do you cherish the most from Christmas? What gifts have you given that others cherished most?
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 (NRSV)
As we celebrate the birth of Christ this season think about those around you who do not know the good news of Jesus Christ. Pray for God to provide an opportunity for you to share the treasure that we have in Christ Jesus. The story needs to be told over and over before it gets lost in history.
Shepherds quake at the sight! Glories stream from heaven afar.
Do you need to hear the original Christmas story for the first time or maybe just a refresher? Who shared the original Christmas story with you? Who in your sphere of influence needs to hear this story?
“There is no salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 (NRSV)
It all started with God’s love for each of us that He gave through his one and only son for our salvation. He gave love so we could know how to love.
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia! Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him…… This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:7-11 (NIV)
Love is the most important command that Jesus left us with. He simplified it by pointing out who we are to love. Loving God might be easier if we realize He loves us just the way we are.
Silent night, holy night. Son of God, oh, love’s pure light
“He said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your God will all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:36 & 39
Loving one another means that we must look beyond the differences we may have with one another. We must learn to look at others as Jesus would look at us.
Radiant beams from Thy holy face. With the dawn of redeeming grace
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” John 13:34 (NRSV)
On that Christmas morning long ago, Ralphie had just about lost hope when his father pointed out that there was one more gift hidden way back under the tree. Could it be? Yes, it was the exact Red Ryder BB Gun that he had sought after all year long. His own father did not forget how special this gift was to Ralphie. Can you relate to the radiant smile Ralphie had when he opened this precious gift? How did you feel?
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth. Jesus, Lord at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Hear the good news! In the manger under the swaddling cloth laid the Savior of the world, a treasure once hidden. God revealed himself through Jesus to the lowliest of society (shepherds), the pagan gentiles (magi), the devout believers (Simeon and Anna), and loving parents (Joseph and Mary). Just as important He wants to be revealed to you. Jesus had to be born for salvation to be possible for all of us. We love because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19). For He loved us, so He gave His one and only son. The ultimate gift no longer hidden. A Messiah who was born like us, understood us and came to show us the way to a better life. Not an easier life but a life of heavenly hope, resting peace, delightful joy, and abiding love. Merry Christmas!
Are you ready to open the ultimate gift of your life? How has God’s love for you transformed your life? How can you share that same love with someone who needs to hear that right now?
Loving God, you love us, all of us, and ask in return, that we love you with all our hearts and souls and minds. Loving God, you love us all of us and ask in return, that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Let it be now and forever. Amen!
Peace be with you,
Kenny Shortsleeve, Lay Leader
Yes, Jesus loves me for the Bible tells me so
Jesus loves me this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to him belong
They are weak, but he is strong
Yes Jesus loves me
Oh, yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
for the Bible tells me so.
(Ana Bartlett Warner 1859)