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“Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:9-11

In this blessed month of December, we find ourselves in the season of Advent; a time of preparation for the coming of our Lord. However, it seems like every year it gets harder to keep one’s mind focused on Advent. Certainly some of this is due to the excitement in our own hearts as we long for the Christmas celebration. However, we are also pressured by the many advertisers and store owners who continue to push Christmas marketing earlier every year.

And as they market Christmas to us, we find ourselves in the possession of cou-pons and ads and catalogues, often picturing happy folks with radiant smiles holding vari-ous types of gifts. Each advertisement seems to promise that if we buy the right gift, then we too can have that same joy, and we too can bring that joy to others. Unfortunately what is left out of the picture is the reality that such joy is only temporary; at best, material gifts bring only fleeting joy.

In contrast to this, you and I have been presented with the angel's message, a message that brings joy that abides. Do not be afraid, the Messiah has been born! A new hope lives among us, coming to us in the form of a child, a savior for all!

This biblical message reminds us that the true and ever-lasting source of joy is in God's love for us; Jesus coming to bring us forgiveness and new life. And in this love, He invites us into His family and assures us of a home in heaven. In this way, Christ brings a genuine joy to all who receive him with a humble heart, and we can be sure that by trusting in Christ, abiding in him, obeying and serving him as our Lord, we will find joy that lasts a lifetime and beyond.

With that hope we pray, come Lord Jesus; come to us and to all people. Abide with us, and fill our hearts with love and joy this season. Amen.

May God bless you and keep you!

Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Michael