We had a wonderful Christmas Eve service at St. Andrew's. The service began at 5P.M. with much ceremony and singing. Afterward, we enjoyed a potluck dinner and great conversation. I want to thank the many people who made it happen. I especially want to thank my loving wife Sherry. She looks after and coordinates just about everything!
The Gospel
Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20
[In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.]
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 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
The Sermon
Away in
a manger, no crib for his bed. The little Lord Jesus laid down his
sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay,
the little lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing, the
baby awakes, but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love thee,
Lord Jesus, look down from the sky, and stay by my side until morning
is nigh. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay, close by me
forever, and love me I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy
tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
This is
a prayer that happens to be put to melody. It gives meaning to the
season. It reminds us of Jesus' humble beginnings and the promise
that his birth offers to all of us.
It
speaks to me and reminds me that God was sending us a message that
salvation does not come from material comfort. Salvation is there
for all of us regardless of our status. The story of Jesus' birth is
also a reminder to me that there are others in the world who have
nowhere to lay their heads tonight. Jesus tells us that when we
think of him we should also think of them. They are our brothers and
sisters whether they are Christian or Jew or Buddhist or Muslim or
have no faith at all. We are all the children of God.
Today
we honor and rejoice at the birth of baby Jesus. The best way to
truly honor his birth and his life is to live his teachings. Jesus
message to each of us was and is to love God and to love each other
regardless of who we are or where we were born.
Merry Christmas
Fr. Fred
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