What do the Innkeeper, Herod and the Religious leaders all have in common? Well…I suspect the title of this post gave it away. They all missed Christmas. Well…not Christmas as we know it. Obviously. But they did miss the significance of the birth which took place right under their noses.
At the same time there are some who did not miss Christmas. The most obvious are Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men. But there were two who had waited a long time and finally saw their wait come to pass. I am, of course, talking about Simeon and Anna (See Luke 2:25-40 for their stories).
Back to the first three. This Sunday I will talking about how they missed Christmas and why. I thought I would give you a taste of what I will be saying.
1. The Innkeeper missed Christmas because he was too preoccupied. Have we gotten so preoccupied with life that we miss it?
2. Herod (and others like him) miss Christmas because they refuse to believe or they see Him as a threat. Like Scrooge, they work without a thought given to others or the true meaning of the season.
3. The religious leaders missed Christmas because of their religion. The big question-the huge question-is this: if the religious leaders knew of Messiah’s birth and where it was to take place, why did they not go with the magi or form a group to go together? I mean, if I had been looking for something to happen for years, and I knew it was prophesied to happen, why would I stay home? Surely they had some curiosity. But then again…maybe not.
We have one service on Sunday morning at 10:00 so if you plan to attend or watch online please keep that in mind. We also have a Christmas Eve service planned at 5:00 that will be laid back, involving singing some carols, hearing some testimonies, taking communion together, watching a Christmas video, and listening to Mollie Wainscott play O Holy Night on her violin. The morning service will be live streamed but not the evening. I look forward to seeing you.
I think it is a good reminder to all of us to not miss it as your title states. I know I can allow the busyness of life and the distractions of this world to take my eyes off Christ. This time of year seems to be busier than any other… I don’t think that is a coincidence. I think it is a deception that continues to fool most.
“Christmas Break” for most has turned into Christmas Chaos… I know it has for me with end of year projects, parties, obligations, gatherings, etc. Just for a moment, pause and recognize that we celebrate the birth of Jesus this time of year. We celebrate a gift that if accepted can change the trajectory of our lives and the lives of our family and friends. Much more than the Jelly of the Month, Christ Birth is TRULY the gift that keeps on giving and giving and giving…
Merry Christmas!
Thanks for the honesty Ryan. I do agree with you. Even in my position I fight the busyness of the season.
Sounds like the perfect message for Christmas Eve morning, Bill. Have a joyous Christmas!
I am praying so Martha. Thank you and I hope you and Danny have a Christmas filled with Jesus and all He offers.
I have been saying lately that I don’t want to miss anything God has for me. I want to live my life wide open to Him and never hinder His working in and through and upon my life. Merry Christmas to you and Jo, Pastor Bill!
I, too, want to live my life wide open as well Cheryl. I want to use all God has for me and for God to use me for all He has for me. Merry Christmas to you and your family Cheryl.