One of the things I love most about Christmas is that it has a way of stirring up our hopes and dreams. It has a way of realizing our creativity and imagination. I never want to lose my capacity to hope and ponder, and to wonder and to imagine.
Every year, I always enjoy watching the Charlie Brown Christmas. In this story, Charlie Brown is trying to find the true meaning of Christmas. He finally gets so frustrated that he screams at the top of his lungs, “Is there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
Then Linus says, “Sure Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.” And he recites by memory part of Luke’s Gospel. Watch Linus>>
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.
"That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown!”
Can you imagine what it would have been like to have been part of that scene? To be one of the angels who was chosen to announce to the world the greatest news of all time?
Can you imagine what a thrill it must have been for the shepherds to hear the news before anyone else? After all, they were considered to be one of the lowest classes of people. But on this night, God chose them to be the very first people on the planet to hear that a Savior had been born. Imagine what it would be like to realize that maybe you are not so “insignificant” after all and that you really matter to God.
Can you imagine what it must have been like to be Joseph? Imagine his faith and trust in God. Think about all the harassment he took from his buddies. Snickering comments like “Your fiancé is pregnant with God’s baby? Right Joseph, wake up and smell the coffee!” And Mary, imagine being the mother of God and being able to trust so fully and completely in the Lord’s plans despite all the gossip and criticism being thrown at her.
Mary and Joseph fully trusted God and stepped out in faith knowing that God loved them and chose them. May all of us realize as well that God has chosen each of us and that He knows us all by name. We are not insignificant in God’s eyes. We are loved more than we could ever imagine!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Carol
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