2024 December: From Pastor’s Desk

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
 Luke 2:14, ESV

Are you prepared? This question has so many implications and can show where your mind is when you are asked. I know my response would first be, “For what?” As we enter the season where we remember the birth of our Lord, the question can have many implications for us also. Where is our heart this season? Many are concerned about many things that can distract from the real purpose of our celebration of our Lord. It is easy to become caught up in the commercialism of the Christmas season and cause one to lose out on the joy that our Lord desires for us to know. After such a heated election season and so much vitriol, it is saddening to think that there will be families that will have members who have removed themselves from relationships with parents, siblings, and friends. Many will become stressed and distressed. They will not be able to get the right gift for their loved ones because they financially cannot afford to “have Christmas.” This mentality is reinforced for many in popular culture as we watch movies and shows that make the case for Santa over and above Jesus.

If Santa doesn’t deliver gifts, Christmas cannot happen. So, here we find many who when asked the question, “Are you prepared?” think of the gifts that they have to purchase or wrap and the tree and decorations that have to put out. Yet, we, who look to Scripture and ponder this question can answer with the words, “Come, Lord Jesus, come.” The promise of Christmas is not wrapped in a box but in a swaddling cloth. It is not placed under a tree but in a manger meant to feed the animals.  As we look to the season ahead, we are reminded of the simplicity of the gift in a little child who would grow and live a life that would be given up for us all on the Cross so we may all know His salvation. As we look ahead to this season of Christmas, let us renew our focus on the words of the angels to the shepherds in the field, “Glory to God in the highest!” and let us pray that all may come to know His peace.

~ Pastor Chris Byars