I really cannot believe it. As I’m sitting at my desk this morning looking at my calendar, I cannot believe we have only 2 Sundays before it’s Christmas! I appreciate Rheadon and those who helped her get the worship center looking like Christmas but I have to admit – it doesn’t “feel” like Christmas this year. Normally, by this time, we are planning Christmas parties, classes are getting together, we are well into preparation for our Annual New Years’ Breakfast but none of that is happening this year. Tulsa’s annual Christmas Parade is a drive thru event this year. Floats will be stationary as you drive by in your car? Due to a glitch with our streaming service – I didn’t even get to watch Rudolf this year! It’s enough to say, “Bah humbug!” What a mixed up, dark and dreary world we have on our hands…but then isn’t that really the message of Christmas?
It was to a world wrapped in spiritual darkness, a world of heartache, pain and death our Lord came. Born, not in a palace but a stable. Surrounded not by royalty and splendor but by humble shepherds and an angelic host. He came not to a paradise but to a world devastated by sin, a creation marred by corruption and He came to redeem. He came to rescue. He came to reconcile a lost and hurting world to a gracious, holy and sovereign God. He still comes to the broken, the hurting, the undeserving bringing joy and life. On that first Christmas, He did not come to antiseptic neatness, spotless and pure but to barnyard filth. He came, as He still comes, to those desperate and without hope. Bringing light into darkness. That is the true wonder and beauty of the Christmas story. That is the joy and wonder of the gospel. You know, I think I might be feeling a bit of Christmas cheer dawning.
If you are feeling a bit down this year, maybe you should give some thought to the story behind the story and remember what this is really all about. It’s worth considering. Don’t forget there is opportunity to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. Just make sure you mark your envelope for “Lottie Moon.” I also want to remind you that our schedule is a bit different this month. We will meet on Wednesday nights this week and next (December 9 & 16) and then will not meet on Wednesday again until January 6. We will meet at 10:00 pm on Christmas Eve for our annual Christmas Eve Service.
I hope to see you and your family as we gather this coming Lord’s Day.
Rod