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“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” James 5:8
What is Christmas about? Do you ever get confused? I recently passed by a neighbor’s holiday display that summed up what we often experience this time of year. First, I came upon a beautiful creche scene – with Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in a stable, surrounded by wise men, shepherds and animals. It was the traditional Christmas story we all know and love.
But right next to the creche was a life-sized Santa Claus display – complete with a sleigh, reindeer, and extravagant blanket of snow. Santa’s sleigh was filled with gifts ready to take off and deliver down chimneys around the world. Further decorations included candy canes, snowmen, and plenty of lights adorning the house and trees. It was all quite stunning!
It is easy to get lost in all the holiday festivities. It doesn’t take long to see how all the commercialism has swallowed up Christmas and shifted our focus from the incarnation of our savior to dazzling decorations, expensive gift giving, and perfect dinner parties.
As with many things in our culture, Santa has his beginnings in a Christian past. The concept of Santa is rooted in the real Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, from the fourth century. Nicholas inherited a large amount of money and used his fortune to help those in need, fulfilling the commands of Christ to aid the poor.
After his death, the Roman Catholic Church recognized him as a saint—hence the usage of St. Nick as a substitute for Santa. The familiar red robes were the same as worn by bishops. The white beard and other trappings (e.g., reindeer, sleighs, elves, etc.) were adopted from various cultural influences over the centuries.
Traditions tend to evolve over time, accumulating new rituals and stories, like decorating trees, wreaths, a red nosed reindeer, or a frosty snowman. Who knows, perhaps we’ll see Artificial Intelligence and drones added to the season sometime soon!
As a pastor, it is so tempting and easy to try to kill the myths of Santa every year. After all, he’s not real! But who wants to be a Debbie Downer? Instead, I see all these things as an opportunity for us – the Church – to tell the true story, loud and clear!
It is indeed an opportunity to tell the true story of Jesus Christ, God with us. It is an opportunity to sing those beautiful carols. It is an opportunity to share the ultimate gift we receive from God through faith in Jesus the Christ. It’s all about Christ in Christmas!
As you gather with family, friends, and coworkers this Christmas – take the opportunity to share your own hope and faith in the coming of Messiah, the Savior of the world!
In Christ;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Invite someone to come with you for worship at First and Holy Cross churches this Sunday! Remember to join us for coffee and cookies after worship.
- Orders for poinsettias for Christmas are due this Sunday! $10 per plant. Order forms are on the ushers table in the back. Place forms in the offering bins.
- Thank you everyone who donated toward the Angel Tree or by donating new, unwrapped toys for children. Over twenty families were impacted by this.
- A special welcome to our violinist, Elias Cohen, and thank you to our choir for sharing music with us in worship this Sunday!
- The Christmas Program rehearsal will follow worship this Sunday.
- First Evangelical Church Council will meet following the rehearsal (at about noon) this Sunday.
- Come experience our Christmas program, “The Voices of Christmas”, on Sunday, December 21st during worship. Each voice tells a part of the story – stories of wonder, faith, and of the greatest gift ever given. Don’t be late!
- Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to our special Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:00 pm on December 24th. Join us for beautiful music, decorations, and an inspiring message that reminds us of the real reason for Christmas.
- The Light WPB is looking for some ESL teachers. This is a volunteer position for 3 hours/week each semester with a potential for compensation and credits. English/Spanish preferred. A job description is available from Pastor Jeremy (The Light WPB).
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This email is a ministry outreach of First Evangelical Lutheran Church. It is sent out to persons connected with the ministry, including Holy Cross ministries and other friends who desire “to witness, share and live the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ in this community and in the world by service, education, fellowship and worship.”
